The Universal Peace Federation initiated a ‘Legacy of Peace’ program at the United Nations headquarters in New York on March 18, 2010 to honor Hédi Annabi, the UN Chief of Mission killed with 100 other UN personnel in the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, and seven other prominent individuals associated with UPF who recently passed away and whose lives were dedicated to peace. UPF Founders, Rev. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon, were present at this and several other programs. Similar events have been organized by UPF chapters around the world.

Legacy of Peace Ceremonies celebrate the legacy of individuals who have made a valuable contribution to peace. They lived with distinction and honor and for the sake of others; they made a difference in their family, their community, their nation, and the world. Through such ceremonies, we honor and remember them with fondness and respect. Life is a journey, with others and for others—a journey that brings us to another, higher dimension: the spiritual world. Occasions such as this lead us to wonder how our own life will be remembered when we leave this world. Let us be remembered because we dared to care, forgive, share, love and serve others. By remembering the lives of distinguished patriots and heroes, we enter the same realm of their blessing. Their lives embody the value of living for the sake of the world.

Framed photos are placed in a row on a table in front of the room. One by one, a representative of each person being honored lights a candle in front of the photo, lays down a floral bouquet, and stands behind the photo. Representatives of various religious traditions offer prayers, and a moment of silence is observed.

"Please consider for a moment what you can do to show that you lived a life of value. The possessions and social position you have accumulated during your life will pass away from you. Once you cross the river of death, such things will have no meaning. Because we were born in love and lived our lives in love, love is also the only thing that remains with us when we are in our graves. We receive our lives in love, live by sharing love, and return into the midst of love. It is important that we live in a way that we can leave a legacy of love behind us." [read more]

- Rev. Sun Myung Moon, founder, Universal Peace Federation