📌 Key Highlights
- 🌍 Georgia, USA: HWPL volunteers supported 136 refugees in Clarkston with 2,000 clothing donations and peace education for children.
- 🎶 Pohang, Korea: Citizens joined a beach clean-up and a busking concert under the theme of unification, filling a Korean Peninsula map with hibiscus flowers of hope.
- 🌱 Daegu, Korea: A talk concert used “forests” as a symbol to discuss inter-Korean peace, with veterans, defectors, and citizens sharing personal stories.
- 🙏 Nonsan, Korea: The 1st Interfaith Peace Prayer honored patriots and veterans, bringing together seven religions in a solemn tribute and flag-raising ceremony.
HWPL Georgia Honors Refugees on World Refugee Day 🌍✨
Every year on June 20, World Refugee Day, people around the world remember families forced to leave their homes. They flee because of war, violence, or disasters. In Georgia, the small city of Clarkston has welcomed refugees from more than 40 countries, including Myanmar, Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, and the Congo. Clarkston is known as a place of hope, but life here is still hard. Many refugees struggle with food, language, and finding stable jobs.
This June, HWPL Georgia branch took action to show care. On June 21, they worked with a student group called “Threads of Hope.” Together, they gave more than 2,000 pieces of clothing to 136 refugees. Volunteers also offered peace education for children, helping them feel safe and supported. The next day, another partner group prepared warm meals for 30 refugees. Smiles and gratitude filled the room.
HWPL Georgia says it will keep supporting refugees in the future. Their goal is not only to give practical help but also to raise awareness and build peace in the local community. Through small acts of kindness, hope can grow stronger. 🌟❤️
Busking for Peace and Unity at Pohang Beach 🎶🌍
On July 25, Pohang Yeongildae Beach turned into a stage of peace. The event was called “Dreaming of Peaceful Korean Unification.” It began with a clean-up under the theme “Connecting the Future.” Volunteers picked up trash along the sand. They wanted to protect nature and also share hope for a peaceful tomorrow. Citizens and visitors joined the effort, proving that caring for the earth connects to caring for peace.
The second part was a lively busking concert with the theme “Connecting the Nation.” Monks, a defector singer, peace educators, and citizens performed together. They sang songs for unification and invited the crowd to join. A fun quiz about North Korean words gave small gifts to winners. People also placed hibiscus flowers on a large map of Korea. The map slowly filled with blossoms, showing unity and hope. The night ended with music, laughter, and a shared dream of peace. 🌟❤️
Connecting North and South Through Forests 🌱🌍
On June 7, the “Connecting North and South Through Forests” Talk Concert was held at the Nakdong River Victory Memorial Hall in Daegu with about 400 citizens in attendance. Hosted by the Korea Forest Protection Association and the Companion Daegu-Gyeongbuk Committee, the event used “forests” as a symbolic theme to highlight cultural understanding and the possibility of inter-Korean connection. The atmosphere grew meaningful as veterans, youth, and ordinary citizens joined together to share their thoughts on peace and unification.
During the talks, speakers emphasized that unification is not just a political slogan but a matter of human lives. A defector shared the pain of separation and the hope of reunion with family, drawing deep sympathy from the audience. Other participants, including veterans and community leaders, also stressed the role of young people in building peace. The event featured a special moment where bouquets were presented to war veterans, expressing gratitude for their sacrifice.
The program ended with an interactive Q&A session where both panelists and attendees shared their ideas about unification. Finally, everyone stood together on stage and shouted, “Connecting North and South Through Forests! We Are One!” The organizers noted that peace can begin with simple acts of care, like planting trees, and promised to continue citizen-driven activities that connect environment, community, and peace. 🌟❤️
HWPL Hold First Interfaith Peace Prayer for Patriots 🌍🙏
On June 12, the 1st Interfaith Peace Prayer for Patriots and Veterans was held in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province. HWPL Global Branch 10 and the Korean Buddhist Orders Association co-hosted the event, supported by Chungcheong Welfare TV and the Daejeon Ilbo. About 100 participants attended, including religious leaders and community members.
They gathered to honor the sacrifices of patriots and veterans who gave their lives for freedom and peace. The gathering also emphasized the need for interfaith unity in building peace on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.
The head of the Korean Buddhist Orders Association said the prayer meeting was a meaningful step to remember patriotism and practice unity. He praised HWPL’s efforts to work with all religions for peace.
The ceremony kept a solemn and respectful mood. It included memorial speeches, moments of silence, and musical tributes. Religious leaders stressed the value of protecting the nation and carrying on the spirit of sacrifice. The event ended with a symbolic flag-raising ceremony.
Flags of 22 Korean War allies, the Korean flag, the UN flag, and the HWPL flag were all lifted. This final act expressed gratitude for past sacrifices and hope for lasting peace and unity. 🌟❤️