International Peace Tree Dedication

POSTPONED--Date TBA

In an effort to bring awareness to the need for peaceful coexistence to our community, and the world, and to promote the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, UNITY of SALEM is having a tree planting and dedication ceremony of Japanese Ginkgo trees derived from the seeds of trees that survived the atomic blast on Hiroshima 75 years ago.

Thanks to the GREEN LEGACY HIROSHIMA project, whose mission is to spread peace trees throughout the world, we were chosen to join the hundreds of organizations in planting these memorial trees. We are honored to be the only organization in Oregon to be awarded three of these ginkgo trees and only one of two churches chosen.

These trees will expand our PEACE GARDEN and provide a quiet sanctuary for those who would like to visit our site. We are open to the public during daylight hours and hold the vision of adding a public labyrinth to the Peace Garden.

The ceremony will begin in our sanctuary with several key note speakers, then proceed outside for the blessing and ceremonial watering of the trees. Come join us, to promote Peace and Love, and be a part of our greater community. Current list of dignitaries includes:

Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett
Rev Yuki Sugahara, Oregon Buddhist Temple    
Elaine Yuzuriha, Oregon Hiroshima Club
Rabbi Yisraela Tubman     
Rev. Patty Williams, Unity of Salem