We then gathered in the Delap Park for a heartfelt ceremony where the Mayor of the Majuro Atoll, the Minister of Internal Affairs, senators, invited guests and other dignitaries welcomed the Peace Run and celebrated the issues of peace so relevant to the Marshall Islands, given their sad nuclear past.

Cheryl English was our MC: she thanked everybody for coming, even from distant lands, which was a reminder for everybody how universal the message of peace is. She remarked that each of us strive in our own way to find our own peace. It takes courage to pursue peace, and it takes even greater strength to remain in peace.

Cheryl added that if we don’t like the road we are on, let’s make a new one! She encouraged all to work together to create a new path for peace. No one can do this alone. We need each other; we need you (and me… and her… and him…).

She finished her speech with a very fitting quote:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5:9