HWPL Global 02 Branch Holds ‘Peace Academy for the Cessation of War and Saving Lives’ in Damyang in Observance of Patriots and Veterans Month

 

 

On June 20, HWPL Global 02 Branch held the ‘Peace Academy for the Cessation of War and Saving Lives’ in Damyang, Jeollanam-do Province, Republic of Korea.

The event was organized to reflect on the meaning of Patriots and Veterans Month, promote a culture of peace, and encourage practical efforts to share and protect life. Around 600 people attended, including representatives from civil society, politics, the media, and the diplomatic community, as well as local citizens.

The first session began with welcoming remarks from Yoo Jae Hyeock, Director of HWPL Global 02 Branch. Venerable Sanghwa, an ambassador for HWPL Global 02 Branch and the director of the Buddhist Chanting and Meditation Center of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, introduced HWPL’s vision and major initiatives, emphasizing that peace can be realized through a culture of mutual understanding and respect.

 

 

A Peace Academy session was then held under the theme, “In an Age of Conflict, What Are We Willing to Let Go of for Peace?”

Venerable Yonghyeon, head of the Bodhidharma Meditation Center of the Shaolin Seon Order of Korean Patriotic Buddhism, said that peace begins when individuals let go of greed, anger, and rigid attachment to their own views. The president of the 6·25 Korean War Student Soldiers Memorial Association reflected on the spirit of sacrifice shown by the student soldiers who served during the Korean War. He emphasized the need to let go of pride and hatred. Kim Hyung-wook, an instructor at Future Vision Academy, spoke about the importance of building a human-centered system for peace, upholding international law, and spreading a culture of peace.

Following the presentations, master pansori singer Kim Young-hee and daegeum master Oh mok dae gave traditional Korean music performances. Their music shared a meaningful message of peace and harmony with the participants.

During the second session, commemorative plaques of appreciation were presented in gratitude to the countries that participated in the Korean War. A child representative also read a Peace Letter.

The cultural performances that followed invited the participants to remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in defense of the nation and to reflect on the precious value of peace. A blood donation initiative was also introduced as a practical way to share life and care for others.

Yoo Jae Hyeock, Director of HWPL Global 02 Branch, said:

“Although we may come from different generations, races, and religions, we share one heart for peace. I hope this event will help spread the values of honoring those who served and sacrificed for the nation, respecting life, and advancing world peace throughout the local community, based on mutual understanding and respect.”

The academy concluded by giving participants an opportunity to reflect once again on the meaning of peace and strengthen their commitment to putting peace into practice.