HWPL’s 12th Anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace Honors Fallen Soldiers in Los Angeles

On the morning of May 24, in light of Memorial Day, over 1,000 youth, civic and religious leaders and media members from OC cities such as Huntington Beach, Fullerton and Santa Ana, along with many in Los Angeles gathered and marched for the sake of promoting what all fallen soldiers have fought for—lasting peace.

Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a South Korea-based international peace NGO, held HWPL’s 12th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace across 94 locations in 61 countries worldwide including Los Angeles, California. The LA event took place at Gloria Molina Grand Park, where in kickstart to the festivity, leaders such as Assemblyman Mike Gipson spoke to encourage volunteers to continue efforts toward a peaceful world.

The Declaration of World Peace was first proclaimed on May 25, 2013, by Chairman Man Hee Lee in front of the Peace Gate at the Olympic Park in Seoul with 30,000 global youth advocating peace. It was a call to end war and establish peace through the collective efforts of global citizens by outlining the roles of individuals from all walks of life in achieving peace. The event also featured a large-scale Peace Walk, which has since become a symbolic annual movement in cities around the world.

This year’s commemorative events aimed to reflect on the historical significance of the declaration and encourage greater civic participation in peace-building efforts. Programs internationally included peace education presentations, video screenings, and interfaith dialogue sessions tailored to the cultural and social contexts of each participating country.

At the previous 10th anniversary, Chairman Lee Man Hee emphasized, "After declaring peace on earth (to achieve it together), I traveled around the world for the advocacy of peace. I called for peace to be taught at home and in school, and for everyone to become a messenger of peace. We need to be united under the title of peace and work together to create a better world and leave it as a legacy for future generations. This is our mission in the times we live in."

The HWPL’s 12th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace not only recalled the past achievement but also reaffirm a shared commitment to practical actions for a peaceful future. HWPL will continue to expand its efforts in supporting international law for peace, promoting peace education, and fostering inter-religious harmony through global partnerships.

For more information about the events and HWPL’s peace initiatives, visit www.hwpl.kr.