The City of Angeles witnessed a truly wonderful event Sunday night on Veteran’s Day, November 11th. The Global Peace Festival provided a kaleidoscope of speeches, music and one very special and moving address by Dr. Hak Jan Han Moon, the True Mother of Humanity, a peace message heralding the dawn of the Pacific Rim era the rise of a new civilization centered on the heart of God.

Before the event even started, an Ambassadors for Peace appointment ceremony and reception were held in the adjacent San Diego Ballroom. 120 new Ambassadors for Peace were appointed then as Mr. Keith McCarthy, our local Secretary General of the Universal Peace Federation together with Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Yang shared the vision and signed certificates with the Appointees.

Simultaneously, in the nearby foyer of the California Ballroom, an expo of peace organizations was taking place. Like a convention center, tables brimming with literature and color photos, videos, an amazing array from eighteen organizations. All this even before the main event set the stage for what was to become a most memorable and meaningful evening.

"One Voice" a second-generation choir from San Diego led the way with a joyful and enthusiastic singing in harmonic refrains. Looking as great as they sound in tuxedos and formal dresses, they created a procession of flags, bearing the flags of the 16 nations that defended Korea and also the Universal Peace Federation flag and the flag of the United Nations.

A trumpet solo carried the tune of "America the Beautiful" in a very moving performance. Ambassador Phillip Sanchez, himself a veteran and a colonel with long and distinguished military career, congratulated the Veterans present and then lead the entire audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Next the rocking sounds of the Power of Love Choir set the stage for some brief but deeply inspired preaching. Archbishop Stallings has earned a tremendous reputation in Los Angeles and tonight he did not disappoint. In just over 5 minutes he left the crowd astonished and moved -- well aware of the kind of blessing from God they were in for this evening.

Father Mora, an Old Catholic priest from Mexico City who has helped initiate the "ACLC of Mexico" (Conferencia Inter-religiousa de Mexico, CIM) said that the most uplifting part of his wonderful experience was hearing the vibrant enthusiasm of Dr. Hyun Jin Moon as he introduced the True Mother. He felt such a bright and hopeful time is really taking shape in the way Dr. Moon strongly and boldly carries forward the ministry of his parents.

True Mother’s message, while always beautifully read, became especially moving and memorable tonight. There was one point, where she reflected on the suffering course involved in bringing salvation to America, when she was choking back tears and the whole audience in total empathy rose to their feet and showered her with applause. From that point, there was a special resonance between the speaker and the audience one rarely has a chance to witness.

One of the newly appointed Ambassadors for Peace, Mr. Nader Rafiee, a television director and producer whose productions reach an audience of over 350 million people in 90 countries (OITN Network) said: "Tonight was one of the most magnificent nights for me and I would like to thank you for giving me such a big gift as "One Family Under God". That is a great message for all people. I can envision and wish that this message fly like a white dove of peace to the world and we would see peace in action everywhere! This is my wish and goal, such a respect and love for everyone!"

"Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon presented a clear vision of the emergence of a new spiritual civilization," wrote Mr. Felix Gwenstar a Bahai Faith leader and Chairman of the Interfaith Council at Cal State Northridge. "Everyone can certainly benefit by hearing this message!" he concluded.

Father Pedro Contreras, a Catholic Priest and the Principal of the American Hispanic School said, "The more we meet the better I feel. I hear in her message the commissioning to speak the truth, the Word of God. The attendance was wonderful and the program well organized. What a blessing to be a part of this Universal Peace Federation!"

The trumpet soloist told an old friend of his, Mr. Rick Joswick, that he was deeply inspired by tonight’s program and would very much like to start a thorough study of the "Divine Principle" message he’s heard so much about.

Mrs. Isabel Roberson reflected: "America is in terrible moral decay, and yet Rev. Moon is trying to give a message guiding us back to our original home with God. I like the cross-cultural and cross-ethnic aspect of this movement for peace."

"I enjoyed Mrs. Moon’s heartfelt message. It was so different, so warm I wanted to cry…"wrote Mrs. Sharon Wood.

The event was simply divine! Well organized, informative, inclusive of all religions and cultures. Let’s continue to grow developing spiritually, intellectually and practically in the "way of the Heavenly Father." Rev. Treyola

"It was so beautiful to witness the loving interaction between a true son and his mother. This was a demonstration of the heart that leads to everlasting peace through true love unity. Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, True Mother, really lifted our hearts and gave us hope through her proclamation of the era of women’s role in leadership to a world of peace and harmony through reconciliation of God’s family." Mrs. Norma Foster, President, United Nations Association, Pacific Chapter

"El evento me gusto, estubo muy organzado y lindo. Felicidades. I was very impressed with all of the contributions of love presented here tonight." Mrs. Rosemary Guzman

Thanks to all who made such a great and historical moment possible!

Rev. Timothy L. Henning
Pacific Southwest District (District 12)