Participants of the July 11th “Change Within is a Cornerstone of Peace” event in Washington, DC, were ushered into the room by soothing sounds from the piano played by Mrs. Nanae Goto, Universal Peace Federation PR staff. Young and older mingled and spoke together until the official program began.

The program commenced with the MC Ms. Emaculate Mungye, Youth Pastor for the Washington Family Church. She welcomed everyone and invited the church pastor Reverend Zagery Oliver to offer the invocation. Then Ms. Thalia Ghiglia, Director of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, welcomed the guests and reminded the participants that although there are always temptations to hate, it is love that is the road to strength and true happiness. Ms. Ghiglia showed two short video clips: one that demonstrated the creation of a fair and free world; and the other about responsibility. She gave some precepts to happiness including respecting the religious beliefs of others and setting a good example; like getting young and old together to paint over graffiti, thus taking responsibility and having a good time together in the process.

Ms. Elizabeth Aihe, Chairwoman of WFWP DC Chapter, introduced WFWP and the purpose for the gathering. A choir of small children, all under the age of ten, came to the front and sang “Where Peace Begins.” After that stirring message from the very young; middle and high schools students read peace quotes from historical leaders whose lives embodied peace and peace-making. That set a contemplative atmosphere for the main speaker.

The keynote address was given by Mrs. Grace Davina Valera, Founder and Executive Director of the Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC), a national 501(c)(3) service-oriented organization and former diplomat and Cultural Attaché of the Philippines Embassy. Mrs. Valera emphasized that for change to begin we should “look in the mirror” and then ask that man or woman to make the change; thus expressing the importance of change within as the foundation for peace without.

One poignant remark Mrs. Valera made was: “Women build bridges not walls.”

Mrs. Kim Dadachanji with Mrs. Nanae Goto on the piano

Hosting the Bridge of Peace ceremony, Mrs. Kim Dadachanji, WFWP Maryland chairwoman, gave a deep and insightful introduction to the Bridge of Peace. She reminded us that crossing the bridge is not just a symbolic act. Participants on the bridge take the moment seriously. For instance, the bow of repentance acknowledges the wrongdoings of ancestors—issues carried silently within each of us. Bowing to another can bring healing and a new chance for understanding to forge sisterhood or brotherhood between the pair. Transformation can radiate out from that one simple act.

As the Bridge of Peace commenced, six pairs crossed, each representing different aspects of familial, societal, racial, national, or historical animosity. Each pair bowed to acknowledge the hurt and pain that has created the barriers we experience in today’s splintered society, and then embraced to transform the past.

One of the most powerful paired crossings was two men of different race. Recently there has been a lot of racial tension in this area of the country. In a dramatic moment on the Bridge, when the white man and the African American man bowed and then walked hesitantly towards each other; there was stillness in the room. They shook hands, then with apprehension, then acceptance, finally embraced. The reconciliation was palpable for all.

During the ceremony Mrs. Nanae Goto’s background piano music soothed the atmosphere and encouraged peace. At the end of the ceremony Mrs. Miwako Lindsey sang “Let there be Peace on Earth.” Mrs. Dadachanji said later, that she felt the Holy Spirit descend upon her as she spoke about the Bridge and those who walked the bridge that afternoon.

Ms. Aihe commented that the young people who attended the afternoon event electrified the room with a bright pure spirit of positive energy. As we change within and become pure in our hearts like children, and then treat others the way we want to be treated, we can truly bring peace in the world.

The formal event ended with a call-to-action by Ms. Elizabeth Aihe, followed by networking and sharing over refreshments that lasted until all were gently encouraged to leave so the Frasier Mansion could be closed!