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Today we had our official beginning of the Peace Run at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza. Salil, our Executive Director, welcomed all those in attendance.
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This year as our Peace Run is going to finish in Chicago to coincide with the Parliament of World Religions we had an interfaith theme with people of a number of different religions offering and sharing they prayers for peace.
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“Guruji” Dkeep Thankappan of World Yoga Community blew a conch and offered a soulful Sanskrit Hindu prayer.
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The Ven. Chang-Hwa Shih and the Ven. Chang-Xun of the Chan Meditation Center sang a haunting Buddhist chant in Chinese.
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Rev. Chloe Breyer, Executive Director, Interfaith Center of New York shared reflection first composed by Pastor André Trocmé originating from Southern France.
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Imam Saffet Catovic, Justice for All, sang a portion of Islamic daily prayers which peace to all sentient and celestial beings.
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Saphira Rameshfar of Bahá-i International Community shared a Bahá-i prayer highlighting the need for the unity of humanity.
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Next we had a parade of nations with each of our team members announcing their country. Here's Santiva from Mexico.
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Champion long-distance runner Patti Dillon receives the Torch-Bearer Award from President of the Sri Chinmoy Centre, Ranjana Ghose.
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Patti shared the transformative experiences running has provided her with and went on to highlight the profound benefits of transcending one's limitations.