49th Anniversary of Day of Hope Tour

It’s the 49th anniversary of True Father’s 1974 Day of Hope Tour, during which he spoke on September 18 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The tour, which began Sept. 14 and concluded Dec. 23, spanned all 50 states. Despite demonstrators outside MSG, some 20,000 people filled the venue to capacity. 

True Father addressed the audience with his speech, “The New Future of Christianity,” and explained America’s critical role in God’s providence. “America has been known as a melting pot, and the backbone of this country is the spirit of Christianity,” he said at the time. “Without the Christian spirit, this process of fusion — the melting pot — would never have taken place. Therefore, if Christianity weakens, America will weaken and inevitably fall apart.”

True Father noted the Unification movement in America is the solution to the nation’s myriad problems, and can also combat the world threat of communism. He urged members and supporters to “attract the attention” of the American people, who will realize the movement has answers and solutions not found anywhere else.

“[Our movement] brings first, the revival of the Christian spirit; a new logic; and a modern expression of God,” True Father said. “It will not only unify the weakened churches, but rebuild the American homes and families. It will restore the young people, particularly the young people of America.”