San Diego -Bridge of Peace
Written by : Jasmine Santoro
On September 21, the Bridge of Peace Ceremony was successfully held and brought together members of the community in an atmosphere of warmth, joy, and unity.
The program commenced with opening remarks delivered by the main organizer, Mrs. Keiko Loew, who welcomed all participants and set the tone for the occasion. This was followed by a musical offering from Minister Gwen Austin, which prepared hearts for the inspiring message on peace and unity presented by Mrs. Elisabeth Seidel.
The central feature of the event was the Bridge Crossing Ceremony, during which every participant was invited to take part, whether as family members, couples, or friends. As each pair crossed, they exchanged origami paper cranes, symbolizing peace, reconciliation, and the strengthening of bonds. This ceremony stood as a meaningful reminder of the values of connection and harmony that the tradition seeks to uphold.
The program continued with a piano performance by a child from the community, which added a touching and hopeful dimension to the gathering. Following this, the floor was opened for reflections. Two participants shared their personal experiences with past Bridge of Peace ceremonies and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to sustain this tradition into the present.
The event concluded with a group photo session, capturing the spirit of togetherness, and a shared lunch featuring Korean cuisine, which provided further opportunity for fellowship.
Overall, the highlight of the day was the unique atmosphere of warmth and joy. The entire congregation participated wholeheartedly, creating a space filled with love, laughter, and a sense of belonging.
