Remember, Honor —and Pledge
Reiyukai America Conducts A Public Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in a Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of WWII
Arlington, Virginia – On September 3, 2015, Reiyukai America, The Reiyukai America National Committee and REACT young leaders from Chicago, were present for Arlington National Cemetery’s 70th Anniversary of WWII and their Public Wreath Layin
g Ceremony at th e Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
As an international humanitarian non-profit organization that promotes world peace through remembering and honoring our ancestors and their forerunners, Reiyukai America members payed tribute to those who dedicated their lives to protect the nation, and pledged to the national heroes to continue striving hard for the sake of society.
Marcelino Pangan, a REACT youth member from Chicago, shared his thoughts after attending the ceremony. “I had the honor to be in the floral ceremony and showed respect to our soldiers. I started thinking about my family and my ancestors, how our ancestors paved a road and made a clear way for us to walk on… it made me realize how I want to do the same thing my ancestors did so that our future descendants can have a better place to live in.”
Brief — but, Heartwarming
Weston, Connecticut— Mari Lewis and her Connecticut Branch members enjoyed an unexpected visit from Mr. and Mrs. Matsunaga, both mentors and Branch Leaders from Japan, who were on their way to Lima, Peru.
They spent an afternoon sharing stories from their Reiyukai journey which started in Japan over 40 years ago. Mari Lewis also shared stories of her first encounter with the Matsunagas in Lima, Peru, 30 years ago, and how the Reiyukai practice changed her and her life. Other members shared experiences, some of which were poignant and humorous.
Though a very brief visit, each one of us felt nurtured by their heartwarming and encouraging words. We are very grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Matsunaga for making this stop and look forward to their next visit. (Text by Mari Lewis)
September 27 @ Reiyukai Coffee Talk, San Diego, CA