A Legacy of Peace Across Generations
Events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Washington Monument Rally were held in Washington, D.C., from September 18 to 19.
On the first day, local members gathered at the Washington Monument to pray and read True Father’s speech from the historic 1976 rally, reflecting on its significance 50 years later.
The following day, around 200 people from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, including ACLC clergy, gathered at The Washington Times building for a commemorative event organized by the Peace Starts With Me Alliance of Washington, D.C. Participants joined in a Water of Unity Ceremony, hymns and prayers, sharing a spirit of unity across faiths and cultures. Testimonies from those who had attended the 1976 rally also offered a moving opportunity to revisit the meaning of that historic day.
Moon Unjin nim presented Capital Family Church with an original oil painting commemorating the 1976 rally, and print copies of the artwork were presented to those who had attended the rally 50 years ago. Moon Shinyuh nim shared heartfelt words and testimony about True Mother before offering a moving rendition of the hymn “Be Thou My Vision.”
In his keynote address, Continental Director Demian Dunkley called on participants to work together for faith, freedom and peace, emphasizing that America must become Heavenly Parent’s hope. Participants then joined together in prayer for True Mother.
Bishop Andre Gray, who had attended the 1976 rally, reflected that he had come to understand its significance more deeply 50 years later. Participants concluded the event with renewed determination to carry forward True Parents’ vision for peace beyond religious and generational boundaries.
