USA 9 May: Memphis - Trimble
The early morning team began their run where last night's team ended: at the gates of Graceland - Home of the late Elvis Presley, who is considered by many the 'King of Rock n' Roll'. This was the start of a very busy day for all the teams.
Our first engagement was with the students and teachers at the Memphis Maria Montessori School.
Some of the students were really little.
Other were reflective.
and still others were excited.
We were really delighted to see old friends and make new ones.
A moment of silence for World Peace.
Maria Montessori - still changing lives for the better.
Then we went outside for a real run with the torch.
Head Mistress Maria Cole did very well, keeping up with the fastest students, all in her flip-flops.
These students helped Vajra make it back to the school.
...and he was really happy.
In fact everyone seemed pretty happy.
Some of the teachers with Headmistress and School Founder Maria Cole.
Shobhavati (NZ) enjoying her run around America.
Ratuja (Belarus) is smiling all the way.
Thank you to Maria for having us visit - we're very grateful.
Many of the students from Maria Montessori School in Memphis.
Our next engagement was with the students of Dyersburg Intermediate School.
Of few of the faster students came out with Bart Williams, School Counselor to meet us about 2miles from the school.
Big sprint to the finish.
Tom inquires what are some other words that mean something similar to harmony (although it looks like he is teaching dance steps.)
We were all very happy to have a chance to hold the torch.
There's lots of happy people in Dyersburg.
Special thanks to Bart Williams for arranging our visit.
Vanessa Cain from Dyersburg's State Gazzette joins the womens team.
Arpan's team was greeted by four women from the Covington Recreation Center at the city line.
Three of the women, Hannah, Emily and Brandi ran with us for three miles escorted by the local police.
The last part of the run was all uphill but the women stayed strong and carried the torch all the way to the Recreation Center.
We are always grateful to the local police who do a great job protecting us through their city and adding visibility to the run.
Jeremie joins the four women from the Recreation Center as we held a small ceremony for them and sang them our World Harmony Run song.
Much thanks to Amy Payne who organized this event as she has done in the past for us. The Center also offered us this wonderful basket of fruit, treats and even T-shirts.
Our next stop was in the town of Ripley. about 12 miles down the road. We had to run faster to get there on time to meet Mayor Jon Pavletic in front of City Hall.
Mayor Pavletic and Tracey from the Fire Department joined us for a run around the main center block of the town. It was a beautiful run as we toured the area where all the buildings were newly renovated and restored to their old classic style.
Donna, the city Recorder and Treasurer, joins us in holding the torch after our run.
Tom is enjoying his miles.
Vajra runs through the heat of the later afternoon.
These girls stopped by the van after seeing Vajra running down the road.
The Newbern Police came out to offer their support.
Quick, get on down to the Harmony Baptist Church just north of Dyersburg, TN - They're giving out free passes to Heaven and apparently they have an unlimited supply!
A delicious home cooked dinner after another rewarding day on the road.(That's our home away from home which we call R.V., a.k.a. Recreational Vehicle)
Thanks to the Holiday Inn for discounting our rooms.
Thanks to Jana, our Czech photographer.
And just in case you want some more photos - well here they are...
Video Message from Dr. 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".
Full Text of the 25th annversary message and link to 25 language informal Translations: http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/25
or Click on language button for separate youtube videos wth sub titles in varous languages
- 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
See start of the International 25th Anniversary Celebration across from the United Nations at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza in New York.
On 27th April 2012. in many cities around the world, special events marked the WHR 25th Anniversary
Distance: 99 miles
Harmonemail:
You can send a message to the runners or read the messages.
Gallery: See more images!
|
< USA 8 May |
USA 10 May > |