America Celebrates Washington Monument Anniversary
In addition to the America and God’s Will Rally held on the National Mall on Saturday, September 17, many Unificationists around the country celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Washington Monument Rally locally over the weekend. The following are a collection of brief reports which describe several of these local celebrations.
Birmingham, Alabama
Contributed by Rev. Abayomi Oladipo, Pastor
On Sunday, September 18, we had a celebration to support the Washington Monument Rally. It also coincides with the birthday of one of our second generation members, Chris Muiba, who turned 15 on Sunday.
We had a new first-generation Unificationist, Rufus Pawolo, who just came from Liberia in Africa, join us in our celebrations, as well. He is the younger brother of Augustine Pawolo, who has been a long-time member of the Birmingham Family Church.
We concluded our time by asking each person to offer a representative prayer for the Unification movement at large and the growth of the Birmingham Family Church in particular.
Bay Area, California
Contributed by Siew Lian
On the beautiful morning of September 18, we gathered at Lake Chabot for our community picnic to celebrate the 40-year anniversary of True Parents’ Washington Monument Rally. It was an awesome feeling to see multiple generations of families share food and play volleyball or simply have a great moment of being with one another out in the sun. We once again tapped into the feelings of the heavenly culture that has been initiated by our True Parents.
Denver, Colorado
On September 18, 2016, members of the Colorado Family Church and guests came together to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the historic Washington Monument Rally. Many of those in attendance supported the event 40 years ago either through fundraising, prayers, and/or through being there in person to organize the event.
Miami, Florida
Contributed by Gary Chidester, District 5 Pastor
On September 17, we had a bike for peace event. It was small but fun for the eight of us who joined in. We biked for five miles, and everyone really got into the spirit of it. Along the way we even found owls in the grass. On September 18, we showed True Father’s speech “God’s Hope for America” during our Sunday service, followed by a potluck lunch.
Atlanta, Georgia
Contributed by Pastor Haruki Kimura
On Sunday, September 18, the Atlanta Family Church celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Washington Monument Rally in Ellenwood, Georgia. There was a beautiful atmosphere in the sanctuary as families, friends and guests gathered together to commemorate this significant anniversary. Over 110 people attended.
The Praise Team, special guest pianist Steve Long, the elementary Sunday School choir and other soloists helped prepare the atmosphere. The video presentation of highlights from the event 40 years ago with True Father’s powerful words were as relevant now as then. Special greetings were given by Mrs. Naomi Barbara King, sister-in-law to Martin Luther King, Jr.
It was moving to see those who worked for the Washington Monument campaign honored with commemorative pins. It also felt that the work and vision of True Parents were honored as representatives of the Jewish, Islam, Protestant, Catholic and Unification faiths joined together to cut the celebration cake. Pastor and Mrs. Kimura concluded the service with closing remarks and prayer and everyone was invited to fellowship together over lunch.
One minister who actually attended the Yankee Stadium Rally 40 years ago in New York expressed how she was moved by the rally and was happy to be celebrating it 40 years later. Another minister commented that, by watching the video, he felt Rev. Moon’s strong passionate spirit and his deep love for America.
Kansas
Contributed by Pastor Peeter Saarna
On the September 17, we held a 40-year anniversary celebration of the Washington Monument Rally at Bishop Williams’ “Jesus is the Way Church.” First Rev. Acosta gave opening remarks and Bishop Williams gave a benediction. Mr. Don Marsolek gave the introduction of the speaker, sharing some of his personal testimony from 40 years ago when he was at the Washington Monument Rally. Pastor Saarna also read the the same speech True Father gave 40 years ago at the Washington Monument Rally. After that we sang “God Bless America“ and had refreshments and a celebration cake. Five guests and 10 Unificationists participated. Bishop Williams asked to keep all the copies of the speech we had on hand because he wanted to give the same speech himself to his congregation.
Did you or your community hold a commemoration event for the anniversary of the Washington Monument Rally? Share you story here.