The 1st National Defense and Veterans’ Interfaith Harmony Peace Prayer Service Held in Chungnam, Republic of Korea

 

 

In June, which is designated as Patriots and Veterans Month, the HWPL Global 10 Branch held the 1st National Defense and Veterans’ Interfaith Harmony Peace Prayer Service. The gathering honored the noble sacrifices of patriots and the spirits of veterans who dedicated their lives in defense of the nation.

The 1st National Defense and Veterans’ Interfaith Harmony Peace Prayer Service was held on June 12th at the Dunguri Rural Experience and Healing Village in Yangchon-myeon, Nonsan City, Chungcheongnam-do. The event was co-hosted by HWPL Global 10 Branch and the Korean Monastic Association, and supported by Chungcheong Welfare TV and the Daejeon Ilbo.

Approximately 100 people, including key religious figures and the HWPL Global 10 Branch, were in attendance to honor the patriots and advocate for peace. Participants expressed deep respect for those who transcended religious boundaries and gave their lives for freedom and peace. They also agreed on the need for solidarity regarding the realization of peace on the Korean Peninsula and all over the world.

 

 

Monk Hyunsan, event co-host and president of the Korean Monastic Association, notably said that the prayer meeting provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the patriotic spirit and to put interfaith solidarity for peace into practice.

“I empathize with HWPL’s approach of seeking peace together with all religions. Through this prayer service, I hope to expand the meaning of interfaith harmony and the practice of peace,” Monk Hyunsan said.

”As this event was our first attempt, there were some shortcomings, but I hope to expand the event so that even the government will take interest,” Monk Hyunsan added. “Our hope is to develop this event into a true peace platform – transcending religious boundaries – where everyone can join together. Today, representatives from seven religions were in attendance, but next time, 10 and even more will be represented. To achieve this, we must make progress in our current activities.”

 

 

The prayer service had a solemn atmosphere and featured the reading of memorial messages, a silent tribute, and a memorial concert.

“Helping the administration of the nation and making people peaceful, as taught by Suun Choi Je-woo, aligns with the noble sacrifices of the patriotic spirit that we honor. What these patriots dreamed of was true peace,” said Lee Jang-seong, head of the Cheongyongdam Jincheon Branch of Suunism, who delivered a memorial speech. “We are committed to carry on this spirit of Sunnism and achieving genuine peaceful reunification on this earth, and to building a prosperous nation where all people are united as one.”

The last part of the prayer gathering included a performance with the theme of cessation of war. The performance included the raising of the flags of 22 countries that participated in the Korean War, the Korean national flag, the UN flag, and the HWPL flag. Religious leaders and participants took time to express gratitude for the noble sacrifices made.