Today we gathered for a ceremony at Peace Arch Park, between the borders of Canada and the United States of America. We were happy to be joined by the American World Harmony Run team from Seattle!

The man who once set out to "raise a little hell" is now, in his own words, "inspiring a little peace". Ra McGuire, from the legendary Canadian rock band Trooper, was given a Torch-Bearer Award along with his wife Debbie McGuire.

Ra was given the award for his significant contribution to Canadian music. He commented that as a musician, there are rare times when the audience and the performers share a moment together and it feels like perfect harmony.

Debbie founded the first fine arts program in the public school systems in Surrey. Upon receiving her award she remarked "This is dedicated to all of the ‘behind the scenes' people who work hard and don't necessarily receive recognition or awards for what they do.".

Christina Alexander also received a Torch-Bearer Award for her dedicated service as the founder and chair of the Peace Arch Association. A highlight of the event was when she performed a song that she wrote, dedicated to the Peace Arch and the friendship between Canada and America. The lyrics for the chorus were "children of a common Mother, we are sisters, we are brothers".

Helen Fathers, Deputy Mayor of White Rock, walked the torch into the ceremony with us- in her high heels, in the rain none the less! Upon arrival, she gave a nice welcome speech to the team and invited guests.

A t-shirt and harmony-themed art plaque were presented to Rachael Hemstad for her impressive athletic achievements. She has summited the highest peaks in three continents, including Mount McKinley as a part of the first all-women's team to reach the top. She has climbed Mt. Rainier seven times!

We sang everyone the World Harmony Run song as well as a song composed by Sri Chinmoy called "America, Canada, your oneness-hands", the lyrics of which appear on a plaque in Peace Arch park.

We passed the torch around for everyone to make their own wish for world peace.

A statue of Sri Chinmoy, founder of the World Harmony Run is currently installed at a beautiful location in the park.

Nearby, a Sri Chinmoy Peace Tree is just starting to bloom!

Along with the statue and the tree, several of the park benches display aphorisms by Sri Chinmoy on the theme of peace.

In every way, Peace Arch Park was a perfect place to hold a World Harmony Run event and reflect on peace.

We went back into the city and met with a group of very enthusiastic children from Vancouver Montessori School. We ran a couple of kilometers together, ending at the Terry Fox Memorial Plaza for our ceremony. Being Vancouver, it was raining of course; but no one seemed to mind!

The Vancouver White Caps Ambassador Carl Valentine received a Torch-Bearer Award on behalf of the White Caps FC team for their contribution to sports and encouraging healthy communities.

Four members of the White Caps FC team accompanied him and the children were so happy to have them all autograph their T-shirts. After shaking one of the team members' hands I overheard a little boy say "I'm never washing this hand again!"

Councillor Meggs read out a City of Vancouver proclamation, declaring the next three days (April 25th, 26th and 27th) "World Harmony Run Days".

Also present at the event were some wonderful staff members from the Vancouver Montessori School!

It was a really great event and no one left without a smile!

–Brahmata

Video Mesage from Davidson Hepburn, President (2009 - 2011) of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for 25th Anniversary of the World Harmony Run and a vision for the decade: "Toward a Oneness-World". With FRENCH subtitles

Full Text of the 25th annversary message and link to 25 language informal Translations: http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/25

• Youtube video on African experience which illustrates IYY slogan "Our Year Our Voice" International Year of Youth - Zambia World Harmony. They surprisingly mention Presidents and UN Secretary-General in a unique way!

• Listen to the World-Harmony-Run song: 2 min version // 6 min

Team Members:
Prapti Jensen (Canada), Salil Wilson (Australia), Daniel Stewart (Canada), Yatkara Aleksapolskyy (Ukraine), Brahmata Michael (Canada), Sarvagata Ukrainskyi (Ukraine), Dimitriy Dudko (Ukraine), Varunavi (Slovakia), Sulabha Wisniewski (Canada), Amburoha (Ukraine), Moni (Czech Republic)

Harmonemail:
You can send a message to the runners or read the messages.