DR. LAN YOUNG MOON ADDRESSES LAS VEGAS ASSEMBLY

"Distinguished guests from all parts of America, peace leaders, and beloved members of the Women's Federation for World Peace, I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart on the 20th anniversary of the founding of WFWP in the US. At the same time, I would like to express my gratitude to all of you for coming to attend this meaningful event, despite your busy schedules. I warmly welcome all of you. It is a great pleasure and an honor for me to be given this precious opportunity to introduce to you, the mission and goals of Women's Federation for World Peace International.

As you may know, WFWP was founded in April of 1992 in Seoul, Korea, by the Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, whom we fondly refer to as True Parents, Father Moon and Mother Moon.

This past March, in Korea, the World Headquarters, more than 3,500 Korean members came together to celebrate the historic commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the founding of WFWP Korea with both founders, Father Moon and Mother Moon present. Mother Moon left for Japan right away, following the Korea event, to go on a special speaking tour in six major cities in Japan, in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the founding of WFWP Japan. Her tour was a great success.

Rev. Sun Myung Moon advised us to host the 20th anniversary celebration of WFWP USA here in Las Vegas, and he promised to come and meet all of you here. Sadly, Father Moon passed on into the eternal spirit world last September 3, 2012 at the age of 93. We are no longer able to attend him in his physical form on this earth, the thought of which makes me feel empty inside. However, he presided over the inauguration assembly of the so-called "Abel Women UN," held last July 16. It was his final work on the earth.

It is the absolute truth that we are all destined to leave our lives on earth some day, to pass on into the eternal spirit world. I am comforted and feel hope with the thought that I will see Father Moon again in the spirit world. However, he left us so suddenly, that I was unable to prepare myself for it, and to some extent I still cannot realize that he is gone.

Rev. Sun Myung Moon lived in this world as the savior and True Parents of humanity. Because of True Parents, wherever we go, we are able to meet our brothers and sisters, transcending race, religion and nationality. In the UN Declaration of Human Rights, it says that we are all brothers and sisters, who are equal. However, it has been difficult to realize this ideal. Whereas in our movement, centered on the founders, Father and Mother Moon, we are closer to this ideal. This is an amazing fact.

In 1992, Father and Mother Moon founded WFWP for the true liberation of women, who have been afflicted with discrimination and oppression for a very long time. They have extended to us their unchanging love and support.

Father Moon's image is still fresh in my mind. I miss him very much, especially coming here to Las Vegas. Now, however, we should dry our tears and strengthen our hearts, and step up to continue working for the victory of the Foundation Day of Cheon Il Guk. This is the legacy left to us by Rev. Moon. Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon has also put her sorrow aside, and instructed that we continue to march forward without stopping. Moreover, to give us encouragement, she is coming to the US to attend this event and meet all of you.

In particular, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon has emphasized that this age we are living in is a great and revolutionary transitional period, from the viewpoint of God's Providence, and of human history. She has high expectations for all of the WFWP members around the world, and she has resolved to strengthen the activities of WFWP in the future.

During the past twenty years, members of WFWP have developed diverse humanitarian projects throughout the world. It is based on these sustained efforts, that they have achieved wonderful results. When I think about the fact that behind such growth of WFWP lie the sacrifices of tears, sweat and blood made by all of our members, I am so grateful, and at the same time, proud of all of you.

Now, the activities carried out by WFWP during the last twenty years should be expanded and developed to the next stage, to fulfill the mission of the 'Abel Women UN.' The Global Women's Peace Network (GWPN) activities of WFWP is an outreach project, a means to further this goal of networking with world women leaders.

No matter what great ideals and intentions we may have, if we do not have a strong conviction and passion to realize them, then they cannot be translated into 'Action.' Now I'd like to share with you some slides of the activities carried out by WFWP members during the past twenty years. These testify to how women have overcome many challenges and difficulties, and achieved wonderful results. I wish to boast about their accomplishments before all of you."