38th Anniversary of the Milton Keynes Peace Pagoda

On Sunday 17^th June, there was the 38th Anniversary of the Milton Keynes Peace Pagoda in Willen. This started at 11.45 am with a procession of Monks and Nuns from the Buddhist Temple to the Peace Pagoda. Then there was a welcome by the Venerable Gyosei Masunaga, Senior Monk of Nipponozan Myohoji.

There were prayers for peace from Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Pagan faiths.

At 1.25 pm there was a 1-minute silence, to remember victims of violence everywhere.

Then there were address and messages of peace from the Mayor of Milton Keynes, the High Sherriff of Buckinghamshire, Catholic Workers, Milton Keynes Peace and Justice Network and also from Peace Pagoda supporters.

Lunch was at 1.50 pm.

After lunch there multi-cultural celebrations by The Hemlock Morris Dancers, Bhajans who are members of Sri Satya Sai Service Centre, a poem called ‘Peace is a verb’ by Peter Low performed by Camphill Community Drama group, recital of sacred song by Children of the Dhamma School and inter-active African drumming by Inta Afrika.

The day ended at 4.00 pm with a conclusion by Rev. Nagahama.

Alex Fox