We had a great World Peace Prayer meeting on 3 May at Mt. Rainier Community Center. The meeting was planned by Prince George's East Chapter and all three Prince George's East districts were represented in the program. Denise Greene from Bowie District led gongyo, Nikki Jeter from Prince George's District and Lawrence Cooper from Crofton District shared emcee responsibilities.
The emcee's introduced the theme: Significance of Buddhist Offering, Sara Fultz read President Ikeda's May 3rd message. Carmela Menchaka's words of encouragement emphasized the importance of the May contribution effort.
The video of the 27th Headquarters Leaders meeting begins with an expression of President Ikeda’s personal encouragement to all members by presenting representatives from various regions with poems and photos, followed by a choral presentation of the new Ikeda Kayo-kai song.
In his speech, President Ikeda acknowledges SGI members from 60 overseas countries and offers quotes from acclaimed scholars from several of those countries, including America, France, Denmark and Brazil. It is also the first time a representative from the African nation of Gabon is attending.
President Ikeda recalls the struggle he shared with youth to write "Song of Crimson" twenty-eight years ago. It included over twenty revisions. He also recounts the founding and spirit of the "Gajokai"—young men who oversee the protection of SGI members and community centers. He offers words of encouragement and guidance to men, women and youth, recalling the words of his mentor President Toda.
