New York, United States - In his inaugural address four years ago, on September 12, 2005, the UPF Founder Dr. Sun Myung Moon charged the new organization, and the 1100 Ambassadors for Peace present for the founding ceremony, to take on an ambitious role in working for the sake of world peace, in concert with the United Nations. It was a solemn and dignified occasion, since the day before, September 11th, had seen most of these Ambassadors for Peace joining in interfaith observances of the fourth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the United States at Ground Zero in lower Manhattan. Today, one day after the eighth anniversary of 9/11, the UPF pauses to reflect on the challenges and successes of the past four years.

New York, NY, USA - On this day, September 11, many of us, and perhaps especially those of us based in New York, reflect on the darker capacities of human hearts and minds that can drive the most inhumane behavior. The actions of a few on this day eight years ago led to the deaths of thousands along with a wide range of destructive collateral actions. On this day, let us pause to consider not only the evil that may be done by others, but to also consider also the ways in which all of us can do more for peace, for justice, for reconciliation.

Dr. Douglas Johnston, noted author and peacemaker, spoke on “Faith-based Diplomacy: Bridging the Religious Divide” at an official Pre-Parliament of the World’s Religions Event hosted by UTS, the Interfaith Seminary, May 23. Dr. Johnston co-authored Madrasa Enhancement and Global Security: A Model for Faith-Based Engagement, an account of Johnston’s groundbreaking work to help broaden the curriculum and the educational strengths of Islamic schools in the Muslim world.

Conrado Balaoro Rigor was student of the University of the Philippines with a fondness for the poetry of T.S. Eliot, when the Japanese struck Manila on December 8, 1942, one day after destroying the U.S. fleet in Pearl Harbor.

The death toll around him was staggering and, by attrition as much as by his newly acquired military skills, he was in his early 20s when he was promoted to major and put in charge of the 3^rd Battalion, 121^st Infantry of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFE).