Matsuo Machida to Arrive at the Washington Monument
Matsuo Machida, 65, from Nagano, Japan will end his record-breaking walk across America on Friday, September 18 at a rally at the Washington Monument at 11:30am, and proceed to Freedom Plaza to meet representatives of the District of Columbia.
True Father at the Washington Monument Rally, September 18, 1976
His arrival at the monument coincides with the 39th anniversary of the Washington Monument Rally, where True Father spoke powerful words about America and God’s Will, a speech that proclaimed his ministry and opened the way for new initiatives in the fields of evangelism, education, interfaith relations and media.
This summer Mr. Machida carried True Father’s heart and message for peace across the nation. He is the first foreign national to make the cross-country walk, and he has done the fastest walk of a senior citizen by covering between 37 and 40 miles a day since June 25, 2015. He has been covered by TV media in several cities, including Indianapolis, St. Joseph, MO, Parkersburg, WV, and Washington Court House, OH. Mayor Jim Colombo of Parkersburg even brought him to the city staff meeting. Mr. Machida’s purpose has been to make a point about world peace and the need for reconciliation of faiths.
At a well-deserved finale celebration, Mr. Machida will be welcomed by clergy and activists for conflict resolution, including Dr. Michael Balcomb, President of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) USA, Mr. Richard deSena, President of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) USA, Dr. Zulfigar Kazmi, President of Commonground USA, and Mr. Mike Ghouse, Executive Director of the American Muslim Institute, among others.
One day prior, on September 17 at 11:00am, Mr. Machida will walk through Fairfax, Virginia to meet Mayor R. Scott Silverthorne, clergy and reporters. He will be welcomed at the Fairfax City Hall by clergy of several faiths, including Rev. Earnest Patton, District Director of FFWPU USA District 1, and Fr. Adrien Bayo of Richmond, among others who will accompany Mr. Machida to meet well-wishers in Northern Virginia.
His signature blue backpack carries his message: “Walk for Peace.” His chief message, as True Father emphasized throughout his ministry and at the historic Washington Monument Rally on September 18, 1976, is that America needs to return to God and to its spiritual roots. In solidarity with scores of clergy in Northern Virginia, Mr. Machida also prays for peace in the Middle East, and for all of America.
The walk across America has been a marathon trek seven days a week for 86 days – more than 2,900 miles. With just one more full day to go, Mr. Machida has demonstrated great determination, sacrifice and resolve during his journey.
Follow Mr. Machida’s last steps on the Peace Walk blog.
Peeter
| #
Amazing, I’m so inspired!
Reply
Mike Ghouse
| #
CONGRATULATIONS MR. MACHIDA,
Here is my prayer for you;
“The highest tribute one can pay to Rev. Moon is to follow his message of peace and reconciliation through forgiveness, and it resonates with me. God in Quran lays emphasis on forgiveness; it releases both the forgiver and the forgive one. The dearest person to God is the one who forgives, for forgiveness washes ill-will and brings harmony among fellow beings. God loves his creation to live in harmony and function effectively for common good. God bless Mr. Machida for his walk for peace and a reminder that we have to learn to forgive and forgive often. Aju (Amen)!
Full report at http://americanmusliminstitution.blogspot.com/2015/09/ami-director-welcomes-peace-marcher.html
Reply
yoshihiro konishi
| #
Macida sennpai Congratulation
God bless you !!!
Reply
Rich R
| #
What an accomplishment from another amazing Japanese member. They know how to inspire us! Now go get a nice foot rub.
Reply
behrooz eslamihariri
| #
America needs God.America need’s to allow prayer at school &secondery education and univercities.
Reply
Nenad Butic
| #
Great, great, great. May all the Americans and the World, understand the Message of Peace!
Reply
Justine Mahoungou
| #
Congratulation Mr. Machida! God bless you and your efforts are forever in history.
Reply