Report of Peace Forum “International Day of Peace” Las Vegas

[Ken Doo]

Report of Peace Forum “International Day of Peace” Las Vegas

A Peace Forum luncheon was held at the Las Vegas Conference Center on Saturday, September
21, the International Day of Peace, with the program attracting 24 participants from religious, political, social and familial fields of interests.

The program opened with welcoming remarks by Jim and Leslie Rigney, a prayer by Rev. La’Motte Roundtree of the Just Righteousness Foundation, and Gary Williams, renowned chorus director and voice trainer, led the group in a beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

Executive Director of Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Las Vegas Leslie Rigney showed a short video highlighting UPF’s efforts throughout the world, followed by a presentation on the topic of the Principles of Reconciliation.

After lunch, three speakers touched on different areas related to Peace. Karen Ryce of Happy Kids Co. spoke about creating peace in the family. Rosemary Flores spoke about how learning the Peace Principles helped her with her work in the community and connecting with religious and political leaders to create an event called “Waking Up As One Nation.” Manouchehr Mohammadi spoke of his work with students in Iran to bring about a peaceful revolution and the subsequent imprisonment of he and his brother including torture, and for his brother, death. He spoke of how important forgiveness was for him to be able to continue his work and to help others through his foundation The Akbar Mohammadi Foundation for Civil and Human Rights.

Following this, participants shared with each other how they are working on peace in their areas. The sharing was lively and meaningful, with some wanting more time to share. Many expressed how helpful the discussions were to understand and support one another.

The program concluded with five guests being appointed as Ambassadors for Peace, a group photo, and Gary Williams leading the group in singing “Let there be Peace on Earth.”

Respectfully Submitted, Leslie Rigney, Executive Director UPF Las Vegas.