Peace Road 2022 Concludes in Major Cities Nationwide
Photos courtesy of Peace Road USA
Multiple Peace Road events recently concluded in major cities around the U.S. since the 2022 campaign, “A Safer Community, A Safer World,” kicked off in late July. UPF Coordinator Ray Lipowcan shared Peace Road highlights from various regions in a presentation for FFWPU USA leaders on Aug. 9.
Peace Road commenced in the nation’s capital on July 27, as well as in nearby Baltimore on July 30. As Lipowcan recapped the program in different cities, he noted how each community addressed this year’s theme tackling gun violence in America. “True Mother asked that we focus on this gun violence issue,” said Lipowcan, which led many Peace Road organizers to partner with city law enforcement.
In New Jersey, Rev. Barry Geller hosted a Peace Road program July 28 at Lincoln Park in Jersey City. Guest speakers included government and civic leaders, with entertainment by the Elizabeth Family Church children’s choir. Bicyclists and other participants then circled the one-mile parameter of the park in solidarity.
On Aug. 2, Lipowcan organized his local Peace Road event in downtown Pittsburgh, Penn., at the city’s Korean War Veterans Memorial. He shared with guests about True Parents’ vision of building an international peace highway to bridge cultures, thus contributing to building a more peaceful world. “I read a little bit about the history of Peace Road and True Parents’ peace work,” said Lipowcan. “We gathered at the memorial, which is in a very nice setting along the riverbanks of the city.”
In Chicago, Rev. Jeff Schmidt organized a Peace Road event alongside ACLC members that featured law enforcement officers, civic, and faith leaders. Speakers gave remarks on the correlation between more peaceful communities and a harmonious world. “They exchanged Peace Road and Back the Blue T-shirts in support of each other’s projects,” said Lipowcan. “There was a very nice turnout and exchange among everyone.”
In Indiana, Peace Road organizer William Stoner organized an event Aug. 6 at the Veterans Memorial Plaza in downtown Indianapolis. Religious leaders spoke about how America can heal from within and how to stop community violence and unite people of different backgrounds. “This event was in conjunction with the ACLC, and about six or seven ministers came, as well as a former UTS professor,” said Lipowcan. “They shared their wisdom and experiences with the participants.”
A concurrent Peace Road event also took place at a Methodist Church in Little Rock, Ark., where organizers Miri Kamar and Bruce Biggins presented a “Safer Communities, Safer World” eagle award to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office and the North Little Rock Police Department. A representative from the public defender’s office then shared a message emphasizing the need for the community to be involved in helping the police. “There was this similar theme, working with law enforcement officers to really improve our communities,” said Lipowcan.
Out West in Las Vegas, more Peace Riders gathered as they partnered with the Shine City Project and Harrison House for a multi-event, 15-mile bike ride. The route began at Police Memorial Park and continued through the city’s downtown area toward the historic Westside district and Las Vegas Community Healing Garden. “Eric Richardson put together a very nice program in Las Vegas,” said Lipowcan. “One stop was the Harrison House, where back in the 1950s and 60s a lot of Black entertainers would stay there while performing in Las Vegas, because they weren’t allowed to stay at the hotels on the Strip. This residence on the outskirts of town has now become a landmark.”
Peace Road continued with a program in Anchorage, Alaska, featuring a private screening of “The Strait Guys,” a documentary about the mission to connect the U.S. and Russia with a 62-mile train tunnel beneath the Bering Strait. The event, organized by Eugene Harnett at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center, included guest speakers such as Charlie Hurt, the opinion editor of The Washington Times.
In Hawaii, the Peace Road 2022 campaign concluded Aug. 7 with a prayer rally at the Punchbowl Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. Participants prayed for the more than 53,000 military casualties of World Wars I and II, as well as the Korean and Vietnam wars. “More than 20 people joined this event organized by Jeff Nakama,” said Lipowcan. “They walked around the memorial premises, and shared about the Peace Road initiative and the importance of building world peace.”
You can learn more about the history of Peace Road here.