Today is the first day of our Peace Run with actual running in Marshall Islands!
The main ceremony was planned for 2pm so we had the whole morning to get ready, prepare our material and organise the route to run through some parts of the Majuro Atoll (as well as rehearse the Peace Run song ;) ). To figure out the route wasn’t actually too difficult since there is only one main road going from North to South through the whole island, the average width of the land being approx 200 metres (our best guess…).
Here we are at the end of the road of Majuro Atoll in Rita where the Peace Run started today.
What required more wits was to get our torch flame started since we don’t have the regular torch/lamp oil due to “dangerous & inflammable goods” restrictions for the luggage on the plane.
So we decided to use coconut oil instead. It’s combustible, available on tropical islands and it does smell very nice ☺ The only trick was to make the solid coconut oil liquid and fill up the torch without any fire or cooking facilities (special thanks to Nurari’s creativity).
After we took the decision whether to turn left or right to run from the hotel, we happily started accompanied by a soft rain which locals considered a blessing after 7 months of drought.
Locals who we met along the way were more than eager and happy to hold the Peace Torch ...
... and sing for us.
Students from Laura, at the other end of the Atoll, had come to run the Public Peace Run with us, which would take place after the main ceremony. Here they are warming up!
We then gathered in the Delap Park for a heartfelt ceremony where the Mayor of the Majuro Atoll, the Minister of Internal Affairs, senators, invited guests and other dignitaries welcomed the Peace Run and celebrated the issues of peace so relevant to the Marshall Islands, given their sad nuclear past.
Cheryl English was our MC: she thanked everybody for coming, even from distant lands, which was a reminder for everybody how universal the message of peace is. She remarked that each of us strive in our own way to find our own peace. It takes courage to pursue peace, and it takes even greater strength to remain in peace.
Cheryl added that if we don’t like the road we are on, let’s make a new one! She encouraged all to work together to create a new path for peace. No one can do this alone. We need each other; we need you (and me… and her… and him…).
She finished her speech with a very fitting quote:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Welcoming remarks were delivered by the Honorable Mayor Ladie Jack of the Majuro Atoll Local Government.
We had already met the Minister of Internal Affairs, Amenta Matthew, the previous day in her office and today she gave a beautiful speech introducing the Peace Run to everyone gathered.
The Speaker, Senator Kenneth Kedi, also addressed the gathering.
The ceremony concluded with our Peace Run coordinator, Stacey Marsh, introducing the Torch-Bearer Award, which was to be presented for the first time to a Marshalese citizen.
We learnt that the nomination for this award was an easy choice and it was unanimously agreed to honour Ms. Lemeyo Abon.
Ms. Abon is a brave and inspirational lady who speaks out against injustices done to her family, her people and her nation.
The decision not to remain a victim for life but to do something about it, transformed her into a champion with a mission. She remains a steadfast advocate for a nuclear-free world and she is a powerful voice of peace for the Republic of the Marshall Islands. She is consistently recognised for standing on the frontlines and pioneering a local and global path of peace for her fellow citizens to follow. She never gives up and also inspires the next generation to never give up.
After the closing prayer, everybody present got a chance to hold the Torch and make a wish for peace. Here are Senator Dennis Momotaro, Senator Daisy Alik Momotaro and their granddaughter with the Minister of Internal Affairs, Amenta Matthew.
Everyone was so happy!
Next we prepared for our 5km public Peace Run with the Torch.
We are grateful to all who came and ran with the Peace Torch a 5km loop in the area, including Red Cross and foreign embassy members, students from neighbouring schools and other members of the community.
A police escort ensured everything went smoothly.
The aid station on the course was supplied by Jo-Jikum, a youth organisation...
... here we met with Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner, who established Jo-Jikum a number of years ago as an organisation to educate youth on environment issues.
We concluded our day with a visit to an all-female fishing competition ...
... we went to see the weigh in.
