Mayans, the peace lovers

     What do you know about Maya? The Maya civilization is known world-wide but not a lot of people know about the details.

     Maya is a Mesoamerican civilization which was established during 2000BC to 250AD. They had fully developed written language, art, architecture, and mathematical and astronomical systems. Many people knew that calendar, writing, and epigraphy is originated in Maya but their civilization developed them. Maya influence is detected in Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, and western El Salvador. Mayans did not conquest other countries but exchanged their culture by trade. From this, I think that the Mayans are peaceful citizens and advanced country where people possess gentle behavior.

     The Mayans were collapsed by the Spanish in 16^th century, but still there are many Mayans survived until now. Some Mayans still maintain their own culture such as clothing, religion, and language. They have their own pride for being the Mayans. Even though they lost their country, they never lose the mind of ‘peace-loving,’ so when a true peace leader, Man-Hee Lee visited them, they give him a grand welcome. The leaders of the Mayans willingly signed a peace agreement and expressed their desire for world peace.

     Even in a difficult situation, 14 million Mayans were delighted to work for the world peace. We must look after them, their broad mind-caring others not only oneself-and think what we can do for this world. 

Reference:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_civilization

Photo source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_civilization

Children’s Day

     Do you see children as a human being and respect their characters? Or do you just see them as troublesome children who don’t have any maturity to take care of themselves? Honestly, I never thought of the importance of children. In Korea, there is a word that ‘children are the future leader of the society.’ To let the children to give hopes and dreams, and hoping them to grow wisely and bravely, they celebrate Children’s Day on May 5th.

     After the Independence movement on March 1st, a man named Bang Jung-Hwan started to celebrate Children’s Day starting in 1927 in order to implant national consciousness to the children. It stopped in 1939 under the pressure of Japanese government during Japanese colonization. Then, started again in 1946 after Korea was independent. In 1970, Children’s Day became the official national holiday.

     Since Children’s Day is coming, what will you do on that day? It is a holiday but it is important to think about how will I implant national consciousness to the children, and since it is a global world, not only about their own nation but we should also implant global consciousness. Moreover, teach them to love their nation and the whole world. Most importantly, they should learn the importance about world peace-no discrimination by races, religion, and nation-and let them know how to live in harmony with other people around the world. Just by saying these words, the children will grow up as a global leader. Let’s try to say to the kids for this time shall we?:-)

Photo source: http://www.imagesbuddy.com/img/children-day/page/12/

Man-Hee Lee, on a peace trip! -4-

<meeting with the deputy premier of Papua New Guinea> 

     Man-Hee Lee is now famous for world peace activist throughout the world, and many politicians and religious leaders compete to invite Chairman Lee to their nations. This time, he was invited to the prime minister of Papua New Guinea. He was deeply interested in Chairman Lee’s activities. When the peace delegacies and Chairman Lee arrived at Port Moresby (capital of Papua New Guinea), the officers led them to the sweet room where only VIPs such as prime minister stay, and treated like the national guest. As soon as they arrived at the hotel, the local press reporters were already waiting for him for the interview. Chairman Lee shared his vision of world peace to them and said many celebrities and politicians around the world will cooperate with him to achieve world peace. Not only the reporters, but the religious leaders also yearned to meet him, so they held a meeting with Chairman Lee and listened to his message.

<making a speech infront of religious leaders>

     Because of Prime minister’s ill-health, the deputy premier met Chairman Lee instead. When he heard about Chairman Lee’s history as a soldier during Korean War, the importance of ending the war and starting world peace, and how he started this peace trip, the deputy premier showed deep impression. Chairman Lee emphasized the importance of the peace contract which every leaders of the world should sign. The deputy premier replied he will hold a peace walk with the youths.

<Chairman Lee in Pangiya>

     By the prime minister’s invitation, Chairman Lee went to Pangiya. It is a home town of Prime Minister. They were guided by prime minister’s aide. When Chairman Lee and peace delegacies arrived, all religious leaders and over 5000 villagers welcomed them. They were waiting for the delegacies 2 weeks ago. They prepared their traditional dances and gave Chairman Lee a hat and headband that was only given to king.

     It was probably the best welcome that Chairman Lee had during the trip. The people of Papua New Guinea truly loved and waited for peace to come. In my guess, this country will be the quickest peace come true in the universe.

Man-Hee Lee, on a peace trip! -1-

     Man-Hee Lee, with full of hope of world peace, went on a peace trip to Europe in 2012. First, he visited Germany, Frankfurt, and attended a conference. Then he went to the broadcasting station and had an interview on the TV program. Next, he met the former prime minister of East Germany who had greatly influenced on reuniting Germany. He had a great interest of what Mr. Man-Hee Lee is doing and his vision of uniting North and South Korea. Probably, because Germany had the same history of division, the former prime minister showed empathy and encouraged Mr. Lee and the emissaries of peace. 

<meeting with former prime minister of East Germany>

     The rest of the days, he continued to have an interview from the TV station and newspaper, and on the last day of Europe, he visited father superior of the Gottweig monastery in Austria.

<visiting a father superior of the Gottweig monastery>

     Even though Mr. Man-Hee Lee is not a Korean president or government officer or getting a support from the government, he has done lots of things for Korea during the trip. Isn’t this the true figure of patriot and a peace leader? I think a leader who truly loves his nation must do what Mr. Man-Hee Lee did for his country.

Man-Hee Lee, led the event of Korean Independence Day

     
     August 15th is Korean Independence Day-in Korean, “광복절.” The meaning of “광복절” is a restoration of light. Korea was once under control by Japan for over 40 years. During the Japan-conquering period, many Koreans tried independent movement. The most well-known movement is March 1st movement in 1919 which is another big holiday in Korea. And in 1945, Korea finally became an independent country.

     Man-Hee Lee, a veteran Korean War soldier who knows well about the misery of war, led the Independent festival to commemorate those who sacrificed for Korea. Many beautiful Korean traditional dances, plays, orchestra, martial arts performance, etc. were held and flew an extra-large thumbprint Korean flag up in the sky. 

<The thumbprint Korean flag>

   The thumbprint was sealed by 17,337 citizens. Amazing isn’t it? It is now listed in the Guinness Book. Everyone who participated in the event was all touched by the effort of one man. As a love for country, Man-Hee Lee is a true patriot and peace leader of this time.

Korea, a step forward towards Unification

Lately, I saw the news of Korean President Park Geun Hye is pushing for an end of South and North Korea’s division and she actually made her moves. She met Angela Merkel, a chancellor of Germany, and shared her vision of unifying Korean peninsula. President Park mentioned Germany as a role model for a peaceful reunification. 

I think the leader’s action is very significant in order to realize the ideal of unification. If the leader only makes a speech of peace and not put into action, the peace will never proceed. So, I think President Park’s move is a good start for proceeding and took one step forward towards Korea unification. If a leader takes an action, the rest of the citizens will follow eventually. Of course, it takes time; it might take longer or shorter than you think. You know that Germany took 45 years. Korea has been divided over 60 years and it is time to make a move! I, personally, want to see Korea unification while I’m in Korea. I always felt sorry for the separated families and the poor surroundings of the North. I hope all of this will be solved when Korea gets united. Korea fighting! :)

Reference:http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-03-25/park-looks-to-once-divided-germany-to-spur-korean-reunification.html

Photo Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/788917.stm