The CPFWP-USA Inaugural Ceremony took place on November 11, 2018, at the Sheraton Hotel in Flushing, New York. A total of 120 people, including staff, attended. The program ended with a dinner banquet after some remarks, sharing, and entertainment.
This ceremony had many VIP guests, including religious leaders, CPFWP leaders from overseas (such as from Beijing, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur) and even a former foreign minister and UN Ambassador. A lot of participants, including Chinese in America, and Americans themselves, were inspired by the content focusing on filial piety and ideal families.
Mrs. Amy Yang, the President of the Chinese People’s Federation for World Peace – USA, gave the welcoming remarks. She expressed the desire to carry out the spirit of Chinese traditional virtues, namely upholding family values and filial piety. She also mentioned that making a world of peace starts within the family.
Next, Rev. Dr. Peter Chao, Installed Minister of the Presbyterian Church of USA, started with the congratulatory remarks. He emphasized the words “faith, hope and love”- faith in the valuable beliefs of ‘Respecting Heaven and Loving Humanity’, hope in making our dreams come true, such as when Mother Moon was inspired to initiate CPFWP through inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and love in families which will lead to true happiness.
We also had former foreign minister, Prof. Amb. U. Joy Ogwu, congratulate the founding of CPFWP-USA. She talked about her positive experiences while being a foreign minister in China and truly believing in the Chinese people being one who upholds family values and traditional culture.
Mrs. Linda Yang Chang, Minister of I-Kuan Tao, spoke about Buddhism and ‘the great harmony’: achieving harmony through yourself (Peace Starts With Me) and using that harmony to manage your family, which is the cornerstone for a peaceful world.
Lastly, Professor Thomas Hwang, International Adviser for CPFWP spoke, congratulating the inauguration of CPFWP-USA and stating that the Chinese culture to encourage and highlight family values is in their DNA.
We then had delegations from different parts of the world share with us their experiences in CPFWP. Leaders from Beijing, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur talked about the events and activities held in their respective communities. One example was a filial piety writing contest given to students that took place in Hong Kong. In Taipei, we had all religious groups protecting the traditional family.
After a drum ceremony to kick off the beginning of CPFWP-USA, everybody enjoyed a filling dinner banquet consisting of numerous Chinese dishes and a sharing of fortune words until the end. It truly felt like a family atmosphere, and everybody was left physically and spiritually full and continued to talk until the end, even long after the event was finished. Some participants even donated for CPFWP-USA.
Inauguration Video: https://vimeo.com/familyfed/review/307376359/7e7ee46791
