We had a glorious evening on July 1st, with at least 40 couples from the 1982 Blessings, plus a busy staff of Second Generation. The event was held at the Harbor Room, part of our East Gloucester facility, overlooking scenic Gloucester Harbor. The organizers were Silvia Queseda and Shelley Watanabe.

The event began at 4:30 PM with a social hour, plus 25-year anniversary photos being taken overlooking the harbor. Photos of our couples from the events of 1982 were on display through the dining area.

At 5:30, Rev. Buessing offered an welcome message, and testimonies were offered by Peter and Antonella Perry and Galan and Christine Brooks. Then, Ray O'Neill led the group in several rounds of "The Newlywed Game."

After a prayer of grace by Souleyman Loum, we enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner, served on the open-air deck by our Second Generation, featuring a fine selection of beverages prepared by our Second Gen bartenders. The beverage list included the following selections:

Separation Sensation
Three Day Ceremony Energy Drink
Mansei Madness
Love Rush
MSG Colata
Indemnity Stick Daiquiri

After dinner, we spent one hour with two dance instructors, learning the waltz, the swing, and the cha-cha. At 8:00, the DJ started up and we spent the next two hours dancing in the open air of the clear summer night. Everyone got involved: dancing, singing, shouting and laughing. It was a glorious evening, capped off by fireworks in Gloucester Harbor at 10:00 PM.

We felt abundance and gratitude to have been blessed in marriage by our True Parents and to be able to share this glorious evening together 25 years later. I have no doubt that July 1st anniversary celebrations will take place more regularly in New England from now on.