Tirana, Albania - A beautiful program was held on September 21 in which 70 school packages were given to orphans referred by the Institute of Albanian Orphans. Many Ambassadors for Peace attended along with leaders of NGOs dealing with children. In addition to the greeting messages, there was a beautiful musical play and a dance by some Roma minority children and a song by volunteers who uplifted the spirit of the event.
The main celebration of the International Day of Peace followed, with Mr. Bajram Ibraj, head of the UPF-Tirana Peace Council, as emcee for the event, radiating love and goodness as he stood in front of some 30 Ambassadors for Peace. He gave a short speech based on the UN's message for the International Day of Peace and the UPF's perspective on peace. He concluded by reading part of the peace message by UPF Founder Dr. Sun Myung Moon on the vision for a Bering Strait tunnel crossing and showing a video about the proposal.
Then he gave the podium to Mr. Ali Lacej, chair of UPF-Albania, who gave a short speech and 20-minute video presentation about the importance of water. This was followed by a ceremony of harmony, unity, and peace symbolizing the common origin and purpose of all mankind. Then seven people from the audience representing all walks of life and different nationalities came forward, each with a bowl of water to be poured into a common pot. Participants in this symbolic event reported feeling a special grace as they took part.
The evening concluded with a reading of the UPF Statement on the International Day of Peace by Mrs. Lavdie Ruci, one of the founders of UPF in Albania. This event was planned to last 30 minutes, but it continued for one hour and people stayed throughout the program.
Additionally, a television crew covered the whole event and interviewed Mr. Gani Roshi and Mr. Lacej. Earlier in the day, an Ambassador for Peace working as an editor in a daily national newspaper sent out an email reminding people of what can they do on the Day of Peace.
People were inspired by this opportunity to celebrate the International Day of Peace in Albania.