Citizens from 50 nations united in peace at HWPL’s 11th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace and Peace Walk

Communication for Global Citizenship of Reconciliation and Tolerance

 

As global conflicts threaten global security and coexistence, “HWPL’s 11th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace and Peace Walk” was held in May through civil society in major cities in South Korea, including Seoul, and over 50 countries around the world under the theme of “Communication for Global Citizenship of Reconciliation and Tolerance.”

 

 

Events around the world promoted the spirit of unity and environmental well-being through landmark peace walks reflecting the unique characteristics of each country, as well as a variety of programs such as peace performances, video screenings, photo exhibitions, poster drawings, sports activities, bazaars, volunteer opportunities, tree planting, and free hugs.

At the 10th annual commemoration, Chairman Lee Man-hee said, “After declaring (to achieve world peace together) 10 years ago, I traveled around the world shouting for peace. I shouted that we should teach peace in homes and schools and that everyone should become a peace messenger. Everyone must work together to become one under the title of peace, to create a better world, and to make it a legacy for future generations. This is what we must do in the times we live in.”

Accordingly, on May 25, HWPL organized a special event sponsored by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of Korea titled, “When Wars Are Not Distant, Honoring the Heroes of Peace” at the Peace Square of the Olympic Park in Seoul, South Korea, to encourage citizens’ participation. HWPL set up several booths there to educate citizens about the horrors of war and the importance of peace.

 

 

The booth of patriots and veterans conveyed a message of gratitude to the heroes who protected the country during the Korean War. Another booth introduced HWPL’s peace activities in Ukraine, which is currently suffering from war. Citizens who visited the experience-booth also had the opportunity to hang a peace ribbon and write a message to a guardian angel wishing for peace in Ukraine.

Additionally, at the war-booth, citizens could wear costumes as a soldier, pregnant woman, or student in wartime and experience war scenes through VR by walking on the model battlefield in blood-stained military uniforms or dressed as refugees. They could also do activities in other booths to reflect on the importance of peace, such as making peace bracelets and finding their “personal peace color,” while watching and listening to the peace education and various peace activities conducted by HWPL.

Yoon Sojeong from Goyang City shared her thoughts on experiencing the war-booth saying, “I felt comfortable and safe in my situation, but after experiencing the war second hand, I realized that South Korea is not yet a country that is completely safe from war. Since then, I have felt so desperate for peace.”

 

 

To highlight this day, Yoo Byung Chu, president of (G) The Korea Allied Nations Friendship Association and a veteran of the Korean War, gave a speech at 2 p.m. at the booth for patriots and veterans. The speech was attended by many people, showing how much the people want peace.

President Yoo recalled, “I was a student soldier and I overcame the risk of death. One unit was even wiped out. I can still hear the voices of the soldiers in pain. There is nothing more important than life.”  And he added, “We have overcome these difficulties and have experienced a peaceful world. We must pass it on to future generations. We need peace and patriotism in our country for them.”

 

 

Citizens who visited various booths were able to register as members of HWPL to participate in peace activities and also sign in support for the Declaration for Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). Lee Jeongwon from Gangdong-gu, Seoul, said, “I was able to hear explanations of what HWPL does and also write letters to people suffering from the war in Ukraine. I didn’t know much about HWPL before, but after hearing about HWPL’s activities dealing with issues that emerge in society, such as the war in Ukraine, these activities felt meaningful.”