On Saturday, July 11, the New Jersey chapter of WFWP held an inspiring program on “Peace at Last One Korea: Bridge of Peace Ceremony” at the Korean Community Center in Tenafly, New Jersey, attended by over 250 guests. The spirit of the event was perfectly encapsulated by the last song of the program by Mrs. Seiko Lee, internationally renowned soprano: a South Korean folksong entitled “Geuriun Kumgansan” (그리운금강산). Roughly translated, the title means “Yearning for Mt. Kumgang.” Mt. Kumgang is historically one of the most well-known and culturally significant mountains on the Korean peninsula. However, it is located in North Korea and until very recently, access to the mountain for South Koreans was restricted. Even in its title, this song of a longing heart for Mt. Kumgang reflects the longing heart of Koreans for their homeland to be reunited.

Call for Peace and Harmony Flag Presentation

From the entertainment, to the beautiful flag ceremony, to the Bridge of Peace ceremony, one could feel the tremendous heart of support and awareness of this deep and critical issue. As Dr. Mark Barry, Senior Advisor for Universal Peace Federation Office of Peace and Security Affairs, pointed out, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the division of the Korean peninsula. However, North and South are still in a state of war; but throughout the program, one could see the tremendous possibilities for peace. Entertainment included North Korean singer Ms. Young Ah Mae, awarded beatboxer Mr. Sung Lee, a local group of Korean Youth Drummers, and Mrs. Seiko Lee who gave a beautiful rendition of several North and South Korean songs and shared some of her personal experiences performing for Kim Jong Il.

During the Bridge of Peace, representatives from North Korea, South Korea, Japan, United States, Russia and China embraced across the Bridge. Symbolizing the nations which contributed to the division of Korea, the pairs demonstrated a commitment to going beyond past differences between these countries and to making unification a reality. As WFWP New Jersey chairwoman Denneze Nelson succinctly proclaimed: “Korea must unite peacefully!” According to WFWP co-founder, the late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, who has spoken extensively on reunification, unity will come about not by the military or by force, but through true love: “There must be South Koreans who love North Korea with a love greater than any South Korean for South Korea. Also, there must be North Koreans who love South Korea with a greater love than any North Korean has for North Korea. There is no alternative, no solution other than this.”

The event was also filled with informative and thought-provoking presentations on the path to reunification. Dr. Barry outlined Rev. Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon’s prolific work to reunite the North and South. This included personal meetings with North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and his son, Kim Jong Il, as well as various behind-the-scenes efforts which do not make newspaper headlines; but nevertheless have contributed to softening relations between North and South as well between North Korea and the United States. WFWP USA President Angelika Selle, based on her own experience and filled with emotion, recounted what it was like in Germany, before, during, and after its reunification. She highlighted the experience of reunification between East and West Germany as an example of making the impossible possible. Many seriously doubted that reunification was feasible, but because of those who refused to give up hope, that day of celebration and joy when the Berlin Wall finally came down was realized.

Although there are many experts who can give an exhaustive list of why it is impossible to reunite these two brother countries which are polar opposites in many respects; as this event demonstrated, there are many more glimmers of hope. Furthermore, as long as that yearning heart for reunification prevails among the Korean people and within international communities such as was exhibited in New Jersey, reunification is inevitable.