The United Nations Peace Park and Cemetery in Busan, Korea is the only such place on Earth. These hallowed grounds have serene white marble statues with doves holding olive branches and colorful stained glass depicting scenes of peace. There are rabbits and hens and pools of clear, cool water with brightly colored goldfish. The fallen from every faith lie beneath the fragrant pines, beautiful flowers, manicured bushes and open lawns of green grass. I hope this is the last monument the United Nations ever needs to erect to honor the men and women that die in battle.
Just two days before I came here, I also visited the Korean War Memorial in Seoul. It too, is a place of beauty and reflection. The monuments to courage can quickly become the focal point of your visit. But I also focused on the bravery of the refugees struggling along frozen roads, the destroyed homes, towns and cities, and the lost and shattered lives. History can be looked at many ways, and I am happy to share in the warmth of the people I have met in South Korea that are free and prosperous. But another historian might explain events differently. Another day might be spent in North Korea visiting their places of honor for their fallen soldiers. There are now two different stories originating from two different sides of the 38th parallel, the dividing line between North Korea and South Korea. I cannot be sure which if any is totally valid, except to the teller of each story.
After 60 years, a truce is still in effect but no peace treaty has ever been signed. Families that were cleaved in half are still separated and Koreans on both sides desperately wish to be united with their loved ones. During my walk through the halls and across the fields this week I displayed the PeaceNow Community flag where it was respectful to do so. People would rush to photograph this new symbol of hope for Global Peace. There are many examples of hatred and wrongdoing in all conflicts, but no matter which side you believe was wronged, all grievances must be forgiven and let go for there ever to be enduring peace in our world. The child releasing the origami dove on our homepage at www.PeaceNow.com is offering peace to all our world’s citizens through the releasing of all bitterness that keeps us chained to the past and prevents peace from ascending to every country on earth.
All people hope for peace. Hope holds our hand during the times that are black with fear, but hope gladly gives way to certainty as the light shows a new path. Have you noticed how the origami dove is reflected in the child’s eyes on our homepage at www.PeaceNow.com? It is this light of peace that is in all eyes, and your recognition of this healing light is your first step toward the certainty of peace. This certainty gives you the confidence to live without fear and to lead a life that leads to peace for you and all people.
Your signature for peace at www.PeaceNow.com is the reunion of separated families and countries, the end of hatred and separation, and the birth of a new world based in the oneness of all of life. Let us plan for peace parks and peace celebrations in the future by honoring the light of peace in all things. This is the greatest way to salute the sacrifice of all those who have perished and the wisest way to ensure that these kinds of sacrifices will never be required again.
Scotty Bruer, Founder of PeaceNow