Honoring Sacrifice, Saving Lives: How HWPL’s Peace Academy United 600 Hearts in Damyang!

Honoring Sacrifice, Saving Lives: How HWPL’s Peace Academy United 600 Hearts in Damyang!

As an advocate for grassroots peacebuilding, I am incredibly inspired by the powerful event that just took place in Damyang, Jeollanam-do. On June 20, the HWPL Global 02 Branch hosted the ‘Peace Academy for the Cessation of War and Saving Lives’ in observance of Patriots and Veterans Month.

This wasn’t just a commemorative gathering—it was a vibrant, living call to action. Around 600 attendees, including civil society leaders, politicians, journalists, diplomats, and local citizens, gathered with a singular focus: to foster a culture of peace and protect the precious value of life.

Dropping Greed and Pride for the Sake of Peace

The academy’s core panel session tackled a profound question: "In an Age of Conflict, What Are We Willing to Let Go of for Peace?" The insights shared by the speakers were incredibly moving and challenged all of us to reflect on our own attitudes:

• Venerable Yonghyeon (Bodhidharma Meditation Center) beautifully explained that true peace begins on an individual level when we let go of greed, anger, and rigid attachments to our own views.
• The President of the 6·25 Korean War Student Soldiers Memorial Association honored the immense sacrifice of young student soldiers, reminding the audience that we must consciously cast aside pride and hatred to move forward.
• Kim Hyung-wook (Future Vision Academy) emphasized structural progress, speaking on the critical importance of a human-centered system, upholding international law, and actively spreading peace.

  

Venerable Sanghwa, Venerable Yonghyeon

A Beautiful Blend of Culture and Remembrance

The event perfectly bridged intellectual dialogue with emotional, artistic tribute. In a beautiful display of harmony, master pansori singer Kim Young-hee and daegeum master Oh mok dae delivered traditional Korean music performances that filled the room with messages of peace.

The second session shifted to deep gratitude. Commemorative plaques of appreciation were presented to honor the nations that stood by South Korea during the Korean War, accompanied by a touching Peace Letter read aloud by a child representative.

Peace in Action: Saving Lives Today

What I love most about HWPL’s approach is that peace is never treated as just a theory. To prove this, the event introduced a blood donation initiative—offering participants a direct, tangible way to put the values of saving lives and caring for others into immediate practice.

As Yoo Jae Hyeock, Director of the HWPL Global 02 Branch, powerfully summarized:

"Although we may come from different generations, races, and religions, we share one heart for peace."

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going!

This Academy proved that remembering the past and building a peaceful future go hand-in-hand. By fostering mutual respect and understanding, the local community in Damyang has set an incredible example for the rest of the world.

As supporters, let’s take these lessons to heart: let go of division, honor those who sacrificed for our safety, and find everyday ways to protect and cherish life!