Sun Myung Moon
February 15, 1965
San Francisco, California
Photo date and location unknown
To president Eu Hyo-won and all members:
How have you all been doing? I have started to miss all of you. It has already been 20 days since we parted. On the day I departed from Gimpo Airport, we said our goodbyes, and my heart was deeply moved as I thought about the past, present and future. I was grateful to heaven for the gathering of almost 1,000 young people who came out to send their Teacher off with such a sincere farewell. I felt sorry that I would be leaving them behind, but I offered that feeling in my heart for heaven's glory. The resolutions I made as I was saying my farewells and waving goodbye are still resonating in my heart. While I was circling the plaza and heading toward the deck I vividly remember you members waving goodbye with your hearts full of hope that I would fight hard, just as you also pledged to fulfill the Will. I finally entered the boarding platform, and later, as I looked at the ground of my homeland below, I thought, "Land that has been with me for more than 40 years, take care," and was so filled with gratitude I could not say anything else. In that moment as I departed for my first world tour, I prayed and pledged my heart to heaven, saying, "My homeland, please nurture and raise our members well."
As the members were cheering, I prayed in my heart as I boarded the plane. I wanted to stay a bit longer to look at the members, but the crew advised me to just go inside. I took my seat and was looking out the small circular window, hoping that everyone would remain well for two months, when the plane started to move and I could not see anyone anymore. Several minutes later, we started heading toward the runway and finally took off. The airplane rose slowly above Gimpo Airport and reached more than 10,000 meters before turning east. When the land of Korea disappeared and Japan started coming into view, the landing lights turned on, and we landed.
As I prepared to receive the Japanese members' greetings, I saw that it was late in the day and starting to get dark. At that moment, the Japanese members recognized me and received me with enthusiastic cheers, crowding in front of the control tower. When I tried to exit through customs, I was completely overwhelmed by the members' cheers. After that, we rode on the expressway for 40 minutes to get to the church headquarters. The area near the highway has been developed so much in 20 years; it is completely different from the image I have of it from before.
All the members participated in a welcome rally where I spoke about my thoughts and impressions and gave a lecture in Japanese. I stayed there for 12 hours and then went to Tokyo. After that, I toured Japan for 15 days before departing for America on the 12th, where we arrived at 5:00 a.m., also on the 12th.
I felt a new sense of dignity as I met the American members who came out to welcome me with happiness. After that, we drove to the church and I gave a message of greeting. Continuing my life in America, I have visited many scenic spots and the prominent features of each city. It was not until several days had passed that I thought of Korea and picked up a pen as I called out our members' names. Although I know you will have a lot of work to do and will have to make a great effort with a complicated schedule, I will not worry and only wish for heaven's protection upon you.
On the 19th, I am going to leave San Francisco and embark on my tour of the entire American nation. I am planning to arrive in Washington, DC on either March 24 or 25, so almost 40 days will be spent touring America. I will be sending the schedule from here in San Francisco, so you will have to send letters to those addresses as well to make sure I get them. I will send you the next part of the schedule later on, so just be aware of that, and please work hard to sincerely fulfill your responsibilities. Goodbye everyone.