USA 6 May: Jackson, MS - Lake Providence, LA
Jackson to Vicksburg... High humidity and temperatures made running a task as we travelled to Vicksburg. But the peaceful pastures and passages through idyllic tree-lined streets took some of the heat off as we ran along old US highway 80.
The mighty Mississippi river- our faithful companion during our run through the South, offers us her beauty and inspiration.
Murals on the floodwall in Vicksburg.....The panels of the Vicksburg floodwall are the canvas capturing the City of Vicksburg's crucial past, present and future roles in American history, commerce, culture, religion, and technology.
The women's team holds a ceremony in Vicksburg in the shade of a tree in front of the Vicksburg Military Museum and receives a proclamation from Mayor Paul Winfield honoring the World Harmony Run.
Linda Fondren is a recipient of the Torch Bearer Award for her service in the community. Linda is a CNN Hero for getting Vicksburgians to lose weight and get healthy. Linda and her crew work tirelessly in the community to increase awareness of health and fitness and her gym 'Shape Up Sisters' specifically caters for women in the community
Linnie Wheelless takes up the torch. Linnie and Linda work together in their initiatives to help get Vicksburgians fit and healthy.
Members of Shape up Vicksburg spend time with the team and the torch.
Park Ranger Tim Kavanaugh holds the torch. Tim is also a wealth of information regarding the history of Vicksburg and the American people. He captured our imagination with tales of the civil war and even sang us a song!
Salil got a free t-shirt for being the first foreigner to walk into Mississippi Welcome Centre that day
Arpan runs with Alfred McClodden, Tallulah's Marathon Man. Alfred has run with the World Harmony Run and Peace Runs since 1997 in the Tallulah area. His support and participation is always welcome and appreciated.
Mayor Beckwith proudly wears his new World Harmony Run hat as he holds the torch with Alfred.
Stanley Livingston was out on the road to support us as we ran in the hot sun north of Tallulah. Stan has organized most of our events in Tallulah since the Peace Runs came through in the late 90's.
Alfred is currently training for a few more marathons this year. He has run marathons in 36 states so far and will try to complete running marathon races in all 50 states by the time he retires.
The Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church welcomed us with open arms and hearts as they have done in the past.
The children offered us songs and dances expressing their faith and spiritual beliefs.
Children and adults alike try to feel harmony and peace in their hearts as we offer our own presentation following their soulful offerings during their Sunday services.
The whole congregation had an opportunity to pass the torch and offer their prayers and goodwill for a more peaceful and harmonious world.
Rev. Dr. Edgar Handie, Jr. - Pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, proudly receives the Torch Bearer Award for his untiring service to his congregation and the community.
Mary Jackson, oldest member of the Congregation but still young in heart, happily receives the Torch Bearer Award for her contributions to the Tallulah community for many decades.
Stanley Livingston receives a Certificate of Appreciation for his efforts at organizing these events for us in Tallulah each year we pass through.
Alfred McClodden also desrves our gratitude and appreciation for his participation in our runs every year.
Alfred and Stanley, two invaluable citizens of Tallulah to whom we owe a debt of gratitude.
Finding Tallulah, Louisiana on our route map.
Alfred and Stanley with the men's team. Salil, our other member, is taking the photo.
After the ceremony we were treated to an incredibly delicious and nutritious meal at the church.
Some of the members of Mt. Olive Baptist Church who were so generous and kind to us today.
We had finally reached the Mississippi River, in the background, as we made our way from Vicksburg to Tallulah earlier today.
Vajra and Tom pose with the Harmony Bear by the mighty Mississippi, the longest river in North America.
On the road we meet some very kind and interesting people. Jennifer, Marcia and Rachelle stopped to hold the torch at the end ouf our run today as we made our way towards Lake Providence. They work with children in remedial reading programs and are working in their own way towards a more harmonious world.
In Greenville, Mississippi we were generously offered Subway meals by their friendly and kind management and staff. We love have Subway's fresh food to fuel us on our long journey of 80 to 100 miles per day of running.
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
- 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
Distance: 96 miles
Team Members:
Arpan DeAngelo (New York), Shobhavati Davies (New Zealand), Jana Duskova (Czech Republic), Tom McGuire (New Zealand), Katya Percheklii (Ukraine), Larissa Zub (Belarus), Matthias Eckerle (Germany), Priyala Carvalho (New Zealand), Salil Wilson (Australia), Vajra Henderson (USA), Dzmitry Kuzmich (Belarus)
Harmonemail:
You can send a message to the runners or read the messages.
Gallery: See more images!
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