After Mr. Machida completed his walk from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC, he had to leave the U.S.A. on August 27th because his visa was for only 90 days. He arrived in Tokyo on August 28th. This day was the last day of Mr. Inokuchi's eighth 40-day fast. Mr. Inokuchi, who is an 1800-couples blessed family, was fasting for 40 days for the vindication of True Father's imprisonment at Danbury prison in 1984 and to open the way for True Father's entrance into Japan. To celebrate Mr. Machida's triumphant return and Mr. Inokuchi's completion of his eighth 40-day fast, about 100 members gathered at the Japanese headquarters church in Tokyo that evening. The next afternoon, a second celebration took place at the Japanese headquarters church with another 100 members.

Mr. Machida stayed in Tokyo for three days, and he flew back to Washington, DC, on August 31st. When he arrived at the Washington Dulles International Airport, an immigration officer told him to go to the examination room because he came back to the U.S.A. three days after his 90-day stay. When he went to the room, he fearlessly showed the "Walk for Peace" sign to the officer. The officer calmed down and read the words "Inspired by the Rev. Sun Myung Moon" on the sign. When another officer heard the words, he approached the sign and stared at it quietly. While Mr. Machida was waiting for the decision, he felt pride at having True Father's name on his back with the Walk for Peace sign, and he felt very grateful. Then finally, the officer gave him permission to enter the U.S.A. and said to Mr. Machida, "Have a nice walk."

So, on September 1st, the 88th day of his Walk Across America, Mr. Machida, regional director Rev. Hong, and other members gathered at the holy ground in front of the White House in Washington, DC, around 7:30 AM. After Rev. Hong offered a prayer, Mr. Machida spoke the words: "Rev. Moon is innocent." His entire walk was for God and True Parents. In spite of True Father's tremendous effort for peace and reconciliation, many people misunderstood True Father and put True Father into Danbury prison in 1984, even though True Father was innocent. For 20 years, Mr. Machida determined to vindicate True Father's imprisonment. Therefore, his strong will was concentrated in the words, "Rev. Moon is innocent." Mr. Machida started his walk at 8:08:08 AM from the holy ground. He walked on Constitution Avenue for a while, and then he took Route 1 towards New York. Route 1 passes the through the cities of Baltimore, MD; Philadelphia, PA; and Newark, NJ, where True Father gave a speech during 50-state speaking tour in 2001. Mr. Machida was going to stay at the Maryland church center in the suburbs of Baltimore that night.

A special meeting for testimonies will be held on Sunday, September 5th, in the state of New Jersey. Four Japanese elder members, including Mr. Inokuchi and Mr. Masuda, who was the first Japanese member, will arrive from Japan and join the meeting. The final event of Walk Across America will be held on Sunday, September 12th, in New York, NY.

 Download entire page and pages related to it in ZIP format
Table of Contents
Information
Tparents Home