WFWP NJ Raises Flag at Clifton City Hall
The Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) New Jersey gathered around 40 people from all over the state to watch the raising of the organization’s flag at the Clifton City Hall on Saturday, August 20, 2022. Attendees included the Mayor of Clifton, James Anzaldi, three Council members of Clifton, NJ, one member of the Board of Education for Clifton, and several other public officials who were also inspired to attend after seeing our event on the city’s calendar.
The event was held on a beautiful summer afternoon with a cordial yet empowering mood. A group of Thai women entertained the audience with a traditional Thai dance that added joy to the celebration.
One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of four outstanding women who genuinely served their community and impacted many lives. The Service Award honorees were: Gloria Kim who is advocating on the effects of Lyme disease and how to prevent it. She brought information materials and distributed them to the participants. Melba Marcelo-Haneo who is championing the problem of domestic violence and teaching women to be strong and stand up for themselves. Ria Serrano, a community organizer who facilitates the procurement and distribution of medical supplies to the Philippines in aiding victims of disease and natural calamities. Sharon Nelson who works in a program to boost the self-esteem of women and inspires them to live better lives through her organization called “Woman Who Win.” A special award was also given to Mrs. Michiko Rurup for her volunteer work with WFWP since its inception in April 1992. She sincerely served for 30 years in many different capacities and various programs to promote the vision and mission of WFWP.
The ceremony opened with the singing of the national anthem led by Mrs. Cynthina Nakai, WFWP Hackensack chairwoman, followed by a prayer by Rev. Emiljun Rapada, the pastor of the Elizabeth Family Church. Mrs. Katarina Connery, WFWP-USA Vice President, gave the keynote address. She shared the significance of the event and the importance of empowering women in different aspects of human endeavors. She shared that this was a special flag raising since it is WFWP’s 30th Anniversary. She highlighted Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, the founder of WFWP, and her teachings about women’s role to bring an internal transformation of heart from the “logic of power” into what she calls the “logic of love.”
Mayor James Anzaldi congratulated the awardees and commended their work and the services they provided to their communities. He also thanked WFWP for choosing their city to raise the WFWP flag. Afterwards, the flag was raised by Mrs. Connery together with Mayor Anzaldi; Mrs. Christine Rapada, WFWP Elizabeth chairwoman; and Ms. Evana Rapada, the Chairwoman of WFWP Girls. The flag will be flying at Clifton City Hall for a week from Saturday, August 24, 2022, to Saturday, August 26, 2022.
The program concluded with the collection of baby products and financial donations to support WFWP partner “Moms Helping Moms” and a presentation of a beautiful hand-made quilt to Mrs. Rhonda Schmidt to comfort her for the passing of her husband a week earlier.
The program was truly momentous in many ways. It brought pride especially to all women who were present and those who are actively working to empower others and become the source of hope and inspiration to many.
