CARP Bay Area rides the 2020 Peace Road in Hayward and San Francisco

On Monday August 17th, CARP Bay Area members had the exciting opportunity to join the 2020 Peace Road USA: Reconciling All People events that took place in Hayward and San Francisco. Peace Road was proposed by Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, affectionately known as Father and Mother Moon, who advocated the International Peace Highway Project: a project designed to connect the world as one family and to break down the walls between races, cultures, religions, and nations.

This year, the Peace Road USA: Reconciling All People project was created in order to foster dialogue, unity, and to strengthen the inherent goodness within all people by visiting sites of great historical accomplishment as well as suffering and injustice across America. CARP Bay Area learned about the history and vision of the Peace Road project during part of their recent online workshops so many members were excited to take part.

The events started at 8:00 a.m. in Oakland where CARP members together with other volunteers joined Oakland City Council Member, Noel Gallo, in his weekly clean up service for the city. For many who had been indoors for quite some time, this was a great way to give back to the community and also receive a lot of positive energy!

After the service project CARP members and other volunteers met at noon near the Golden Gate Bridge

in San Francisco and listened as several esteemed speakers shared about the vision and impact of the Peace Road project. Peace Road rider, Soonmee Iwasaki, shared how being on the Peace Road tour helped deepen her understanding of the history of America, and the program finished by allowing participants to sign the 2020 Peace Road Proclamation.

Describing her experience, CARP member K. Ishiguro shared:

“Through the peace road I felt that I was creating a bigger world unification. I was part of that. I felt inspired through the experience of listening to leaders from our local communities speaking and having a good time.”

The final part of the program was biking and riding across the Golden Gate bridge as a representation of closing the divide and bringing peace between North and South Korea. CARP Bay Area member, D. Tsui, shared, “One of the main things we have been focusing on is the reunification of North and South Korea”, and described the Peace Road activities as being, “a journey and, much like the unification of both those countries, it’s a difficult one. We did it and in a few years time we are hoping that we’ll hear the same for the journey that Mother Moon has really blessed us with.”

The weather was perfect for the activities as bright sunshine filled the sky accompanied by a cool breeze that kept the riders and walkers from overheating. Volunteers prepared a delicious lunch for participants on the other side of the bridge and the Peace Road events closed with the enjoyment of the beautifully prepared meals after the eventful morning.

A total of 10 CARP Bay Area members participated in these events.