[HWPL]

[HWPL] ‘Peace Recognition Award’ delivered to HWPL by municipality of Santa Tecla in El Salvador

On November 10th 2015, Mayor Roberto José d'Aubuisson Munguía of Santa Tecla, El Salvador, delivered a peace recognition award to Chairman Lee

The relationship between Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) and El Salvador is deep-rooted. HWPL visited the Central American republic El Salvador, classified as the most dangerous country in the world, during their 7th peace tour in 2013. From then on, reciprocal activity would evolve, and in 2015, a Peace Monument was constructed and unveiled in a park in the city center of Santa Tecla, El Salvador. HWPL collaborated with the municipal council and carried out a vigorous peace movement, and in recognition of Chairman Man-hee Lee's efforts, was given a peace recognition award.

Mayor Roberto José d'Aubuisson Munguía of Santa Tecla presents Chairman Lee with a ‘Peace Recognition Award', following the 'Unveiling Ceremony of the Peace Monument of the WARP Summit', on November 10th 2015

The efforts for peace bore fruit during HWPL's 21st Peace Tour in El Salvador (November 9-10th 2015). During this second visit to the country in two years, Chairman Lee was invited to a peace event hosted by the government of El Salvador.

On day one on the 9th, Chairman Lee first visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador where he had a meeting with the then Foreign Minister Hugo Martínez. Martínez, who had heard of the construction and unveiling of the Peace Monument, said, "I would like to express my gratitude for the construction of the Peace Monument in Santa Tecla."

On that day, Chairman Lee attended the WARP (World Alliance of Religions' Peace) office meeting, where he was interviewed by the local media, and then dined with locals at a restaurant in Santa Tecla. In attendance were Mayor Roberto José d'Aubuisson Munguía of Santa Tecla, his wife Jackeline d'Aubuisson, and Councillor Jaime Roberto Zablah-Siri.

Chairman Lee greets Foreign Minister Hugo Martínez of El Salvador on November 9th 2015

Chairman Man-hee Lee said, “God is love, life, and peace.'' In addition, Chairman Lee emphasized the necessity for peace education, saying, “We need peace education. I think that, more than school rules, all children should grow up with ‘peace education’ in their textbooks so they can acquire an understanding of peace.” Mayor d'Aubuisson responded, “His message is powerful. You cannot have such conviction unless it comes from the heart.” Regarding peace education, he affirmed Chairman Lee's message, saying, “the peace education that the Chairman spoke of is absolutely necessary in order for our descendants to grow up upright and healthy.”

Councillor Zablah-Siri, who attended the event, said, “I have watched all the videos you sent me (containing HWPL’s peace activities), and I’ve re-watched them several times over. I realize that this genuine peace movement started with one person. We will support and help you, so please trust us.”

The following day, on the 10th, the unveiling ceremony of the Peace Monument was held at El Cafetalón, a park in Santa Tecla that had been constructed as a large-scale peace park for children. In addition, in commemoration of the proclamation of the 'Declaration of World Peace' and the founding of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) on May 25th 2013, September 18th was designated ‘HWPL Day’ as an annual commemoration.

The Peace Monument of the WARP Summit consists of the four flags of El Salvador, South Korea, Santa Tecla, and HWPL, with the logos of Santa Tecla and HWPL engraved on the monument to symbolize the establishment of peace in Santa Tecla through an alliance with HWPL and between the two countries.

Chairman Man-Hee Lee delivers a greeting during the 'Unveiling Ceremony of the Peace Monument of the WARP Summit' at El Cafetalón, a park in Santa Tecla, El Salvador, on November 10th 2015

Mayor d'Aubuisson said, “I can feel true peace in this park, which has become the starting point of the spring of peace. This is the day we are moving towards peace.” He also said, “With this declaration, we are proud that we have become the first city of peace in El Salvador to be named'', and, ''Let's not just cry for peace with words, but put it into practice."

After the unveiling of the Peace Monument, about 1,000 people from Santa Tecla participated in a Peace Walk. Then, at Santa Tecla City Hall, leaders from the fields of religion, politics, and academia in El Salvador were invited to a banquet.

Mayor d'Aubuisson expressed his sincere gratitude to HWPL at a dinner that day, signed the ‘World Peace Agreement’ proposed by HWPL and presented the Peace Recognition Award to Chairman Man-hee Lee. In addition, he promised to cooperate in the activities of the WARP (World Alliance of Religions' Peace) Office, a movement for world peace promoted by HWPL, and the enactment of international legislation to end all wars.

Peace!