Universal Peace Academy Inherits True Parents’ Deep Love for America

Universal Peace Academy cadets attend Hoon Dok Hwe (daily scriptural study) with True Mother at the Cheon Hwa Gung in Las Vegas, January 14, 2014.

This month, the Universal Peace Academy (UPA) met with True Mother in Las Vegas Nevada, as part of the culmination of their United States Heritage Tour. True Mother shared her vision for the program and explained the providential investment of True Parents, turning the “Sin” City into “Sun” City.

True Mother’s goal in creating the Universal Peace Academy has been to educate new leaders that can inherit the heart and foundation of True Parents and to continue to build God’s providence in the future. The academy is located in Korea, but on December 21, the cadets began a month-long tour of the United States, meeting members, visiting landmarks, and learning about the history of the American movement.

Letter jackets emblazoned with the UPA logo replaced their traditional uniforms as they began their march across the country where True Parents lived and worked for more than 40 years. The cadets hit all the major landmarks, from Philadelphia, the first capital of the United States Colonies, to the scenic vistas of the Grand Canyon. The tour also provided the participants a chance to meet with many of the organizations that continue to work for True Parents’ vision in America, including The Washington Times, The American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC), Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), Middle East Peace Initiative (MEPI), and tours of the Wongu University of Oriental Medicine, The Manhattan Center, and HSW-UWC Headquarters in NYC.

Perhaps some of the more memorable experiences of the tour came from meeting the many families in each community and being able to experience some of the places that have special significance to True Parents and America.

The UPA cadets go on a tour of the Belvedere Training Center to learn about and gain insight to True Parents’ work in the American Providence.

UPA cadets offer a tearful prayer at the Holy Rock, a location at the Belvedere Training Center blessed by True Father.

“On the USA Heritage Tour, the UPA cadets visit and pose in front of the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

UPA cadets participate in a joint-service project during their time spent at the Generation Peace Academy Winter Workshop on the Morgan Ranch on January 8, 2014.

On their second day in the country, the cadets witnessed in Bryant Park and encountered people of all different backgrounds and religions. Christmas Day was spent with families of the West Rock community in Upstate New York who generously opened up their homes to participants as part of a homestay, where the cadets were immersed in the lifestyle of a typical American family.

The stay in the Tarrytown, NY area was especially precious, as the cadets spent time touring the Belvedere Training Center, praying at the Holy Rock, and touring East Garden. The cadets heard heartfelt testimonies from those who had worked closely with True Parents. A special opportunity to view the family room in True Parents’ living quarters brought many to tears. They were overwhelmed as they sang songs and prayed, truly feeling the presence of True Father while looking at the brown leather couch where he had often sat.

The cadets bonded with local youth at the Shehaqua Family Camp Winter Retreat, in Pennsylvania and celebrated New Year’s in Philadelphia. After a tour of Washington, D.C., including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and the Korean War Memorial, the team headed west.

They met up with members in Little Rock, AR, Dallas, TX, Las Vegas, NV and Los Angeles, CA; making stops to pray at holy grounds along the way. Each city and community was different, from the diversity of the members down to the landscapes and weather, but all were enthusiastic to share their hearts with young people so eager to learn.

While the cadets received love and insight from the American members, part of the tour was also about giving back. In Texas, they worked on service projects alongside Generation Peace Academy (GPA) participants during their winter workshop.

As True Mother attempts to raise up the next generation of leaders, the USA tour was a way for the cadets to experience important providential history, as well as the deep love that True Parents have for America. True Mother’s future leaders received much from the tour, but were also a blessing to all that they met.