Thanks to David from Courtyard by Marriott the team was able to hit the road well rested and recharged. Thank you so much!
The team started the day with a guided tour of Independence Hall, where America broke free from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson when he was just 33 years old, was ratified and signed by the 13 Colonies that became States. There was quite an incredible feeling being in the room where it was all happened.
Next we went to General George A. McCall Elementary School where kids came out to their courtyard and we gave a ceremony.
Many of the younger children came with artwork that even at times showed a sense of humor.
We then went to Christ Church where the Founding Fathers often prayed and worshipped.
Tish Byrne who had received us before happened to be there and welcomed us, telling stories of how she received Sri Chinmoy, the Founder of the Peace Run, when he had regularly visited Christ Church.
We had lunch in the sunshine outside while a service was being held inside. Then we were taken in for a short tour. When the tour finished, we all sat in silence to soak in the peace that has flourished there from seeds planted centuries ago.
We then hit the road running toward Wilmington, Delaware, where we came to meet track athletes at the Wilmington Friends School.
We then hit the road running toward Wilmington, Delaware, where we came to meet track athletes at the Wilmington Friends School.
Track coach Kim Knight and Athletics Director Jeff Ransom received us and introduced us to the high school students. They ran with us and the torch to a track where we ran a comfortable 400 meters before being joined to an enthusiastic after-school group from the Wilmington Friends Lower School. The whole group ran another 400 meters together and then held a short ceremony with the younger students, singing with them and answering their spirited questions.
The whole group ran another 400 meters together and then held a short ceremony with the younger students, singing with them and answering their spirited questions.
It was loveley to meet Julie Rodowsky, here holding the Peace Torch, and spending time with her and her students.
