Hak Ja Han
February 14, 2014
In commemoration of the First Anniversary of the Great Cheon Il Guk Foundation Day, a celebratory luncheon was held on January 13th of the 2nd year of Cheon Il Guk, at 1:00 PM by the Heavenly Calendar (February 12th), in the Great Hall at the Cosmic Cheong Pyeong Heaven and Earth Training Center. The luncheon was a great success, with around 1,000 invited guests, including distinguished world leaders from Korea and abroad.
UPF World Chairman Chang-Shik Yang presides over the event
Resolving to Bring About Cheon Il Guk
In commemoration of the First Anniversary of Cheon Il Guk Foundation Day, many gifts were offered from around the world; but for the sake of time, only representatives from Korea, Japan and the United States presented their gifts, and the remainder of offerings were presented through a video. Next, President Yong-Soo Seol of Korea and District Director Masaichi Hori of Japan, as well as 10 representatives from 10 providential countries and continents, received special lifetime achievement awards from True Parents.
In the welcoming address, Korean President Kyeong-Seuk Lu said, “We are being called to complete the realization of the ideal world of Cheon Il Guk. As we celebrate the First Anniversary of Cheon Il Guk Foundation Day, I hope that this day can be a chance for you to bring about the substantial Cheon Il Guk, centering on True Parents’ vision for a world of peace.”
Archbishop Stallings offers up a prayer report
The Universal Peace Federation International President Thomas Walsh initiated a proposal for victory, proclaiming, “True Parents, thank you. We love you.” He suggested that, “In commemoration of the First Anniversary of Cheon Il Guk Foundation Day, let us resolve to absolutely bring victory in our mission to bring about the realization of Cheon Il Guk, centered on the true love of True Parents.”
During the luncheon, women leaders from Azerbaijan and representatives from the Washington Times presented their gifts, and distinguished guests from Korea and abroad were introduced. A video titled, “Cheon Il Guk, the New Country of Hope,” was shown, introducing the lifetime achievements of the True Parents of Heaven and Earth.
Feeling the Vision for a Peaceful World at the Celebration of the First Anniversary of Foundation Day
After the luncheon, Se-Taek Kim, former Foreign Ambassador of Korea, said, “When I saw Reverend Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon’s clear vision for the future and international work for peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula, while working abroad as a diplomat, my heart was stirred into deep reverence and respect. Only Reverend Moon’s near- perfect vision for peace and unification can bring about a new age.”
Former President of Burundi, Domitien Ndayizeye, also gave a congratulatory speech, saying, “It was an honor for my wife and me to be able to attend the Cosmic Blessing Ceremony of the True Parents of Heaven and Earth. I felt as though the phrase, “One Family Under God” was coming true in front of me, as I got blessed together with couples of different races and religions from around the world.” The Former President offered up a special gift from Burundi of a statue that represented conversation with ancestors, communication between distant regions, and celebratory festivals, titled “Royal Drummer.”
Many congratulatory performances were offered as the finale of the luncheon. Performances included a violin performance by Ye-Ju (Elizabeth) Woo, a song by Matthew Hill called “April’s Song,” a performance of filial piety by Japanese West Tokyo Seonghwa students called “The Hope of the Future” and a song called “Beautiful Country” by “Project Beauty,” among many other performances. After the audience meditated over the meaning of the First Anniversary of the Cheon Il Guk Foundation Day, through the performances, Japanese President Eiji Tokuno led the audience in three cheers of Eok Mansei to conclude the celebratory luncheon.
True Parents’ Special Lifetime Achievement Awards
Korean President Kyeong-Seuk Lu gives the welcoming address
Former Ambassador of the Foreign Office gives a congratulatory speech
Former President of Burundi Domitien Ndayizeye gives a congratulatory speech
Congratulatory performance by violinist Ye-Ju (Elizabeth) Woo
Congratulatory performance by singer Matthew Hill
Congratulatory performance by Japanese West Tokyo Seonghwa Group
Congratulatory performance by Mi-Ran Kim and the Deokyang Church Choir
