National Parents’ Day Celebrated at Madison Square Garden

In honor of National Parents Day, Universal Peace Federation (UPF) awarded five distinguished couples the Parents of the Year Award at the New Yorker Hotel Sky Lounge on July 15, 2017.

Tom McDevitt, Chairman of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) USA and Rev. Ricardo de Sena, President of UPF USA with support from Rev. Tom Cutts, American Clergy Leadership Conference, Dr. Tanya Edwards, FFWPU New York City, Mrs. Tomiko Duggan, UPF Washington DC and Rev. Emiljun Rapada, National Youth Director, Youth UPF USA honored five amazing couples representing major communities– African, Asian, Caucasian, and the Latinos.

During the awarding ceremony, Congressman John Dolittle, the Regional Chair of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), North America briefly shared the work of IAPP in securing peace in the region. Other noted special guests, media, and UPF Executive Directors were among the forty people who were invited to this special event in support of the Peace Rally at the Madison Square Garden. After lunch, all proceeded to the Garden to join thousands of people from all walks of life to support and celebrate the “Peace Starts With Me” event. 

The Filipino International Community of America (FICA) also celebrated National Parents Day, hosting the first Outstanding Parents Award and Gala on July 22 at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Newark, NJ.  

2017 PARENTS OF THE YEAR

Rev. Lee and Minister Stasia Godwin

Dr. Zulfiqar and Mrs. Tanvir Kazmi

Archbishop Angelo Rosario and Bishop Nancy Rosario

Sir Francis and Lady Evelyn Sison

Bishop Dr. Raphael Sr. and Minister Patricia Williams

Learn more about the 2017 Parents of the Year here!