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Fantastic Ceremony

An early start of 6:30 am is not uncommon event on a World Harmony Run, we experienced this today as we headed to Point Pleasant Beach in New Jersey. Thanks again to our wonderful hosts Tom and Ginny.

Today the US World Harmony Run team visited its very first school at Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey.

When we got to Harold Antrim Elementary we were treated like superstars. The students were waving around flags they had made from different countries and a brass band was playing the World Harmony Run theme song.

On our way to the school the team met up with Jimmy and Patrizsha Sherlock, a husband and wife who are involved in numerous humanitarian services, including the provision of affordable housing in underdeveloped nations.

They had arranged this terrific ceremony. Three of the children had already graduated from Harold Antrim and two more were on their way to graduating.

We presented Harold Antrim Elementary School with a Torch-Bearer Award for their many outstanding merits; including technological achievements, donations for children in Kenya and other charitable projects. The principal Dr. Tom O'Hara thankfully received the award.

 Much to our delight the entire student body and faculty formed a giant peace sign in the middle of the field.

As much as we enjoyed our stay, the team had to leave New Jersey for Pennsylvania, heading towards its capital city.

Philadelphia means ‘city of brotherly love’. It certainly showed us both brotherly and sisterly love on this fine April day.

Sujantra, cameo appearance!

The team also visited Villanova Academy for Honor Studies run by the Foundation for Islamic Education where everybody treated us with such kindness and respect even though we were a little late in arriving. I think we learnt a lot from hearing the students’ poems and reflections about peace.

We visited a Montessori school that was nestled in a very nicely forested area. The feeling here was so fresh and lively and the weather was just perfect.

Goodbye to Ginny!

Finally, we ran through the old city of Philadelphia with its cathedrals, fountains and reminders of America’s historical zest for liberty. We met with world harmony supporters Pragati, Bahula, and Shatapatri.

In Christ Church we sat in the same pew that George Washington once occupied. Tish, a local historian, shared her knowledge of the church and America’s Founding Fathers with such vivid enthusiasm that it was easy to feel transported back to 1776.

Christ Church was also frequented by Thomas Jefferson and William Penn who played such an important role in forming the United States. This church was instrumental for the development of the qualities of harmony and peace that our country was founded upon.

Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Famous Love Park in the heart of Philadelphia

To top it all off we got to see the Liberty Bell, recognised as a symbol of freedom around the world. It hangs only a few yards from the building where Thomas Jefferson and others wrote the Declaration of Independence.

Thank you, New Jersey and Pennsylvania!

Allejandro (Mexico) carries the torch. Thank you Allejandro for joining us today, it was truly an honor to run with you!

Thank you to Ms. Maetal Zmora and Crowne Plaza for accomodating us tonight.

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Video Message from Davidson Hepburn, President (2009 - 2011) of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for 25th Anniversary of the World Harmony Run and a vision for the decade: "Toward a Oneness-World".

Full Text of the 25th annversary message and link to 25 language informal Translations: http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/25

or Click on language button for separate youtube videos wth sub titles in varous languages

See also:

• Youtube video on African experience which illustrates IYY slogan "Our Year Our Voice" International Year of Youth - Zambia World Harmony. They surprisingly mention Presidents and UN Secretary-General in a unique way!

• Listen to the World-Harmony-Run song: 2 min version // 6 min

– Tom, Jagadhata

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Distance: 30 miles

Team Members:
Atulya Berube (San Diego), Jagadhata Amrhien (Chicago), Teekhnata Berube (USA), Arpan DeAngelo (New York), Shobhavati Davies (New Zealand), Jana Duskova (Czech Republic), Tom McGuire (New Zealand), Katya Percheklii (Ukraine), Larissa Zub (Belarus), Zuzana Klaskova (Czech Republic), Matthias Eckerle (Germany)

Harmonemail:
You can send a message to the runners or read the messages.

Gallery: See more images!

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