SGI-USA Celebrates SGI's 30th Anniversary in Guam

SGI-USA members in Guam at recent general meeting

Beginning January 13, SGI-USA has been hosting commemorative events on Guam, USA, to celebrate the SGI's 30th anniversary, in cooperation with the Guam Government and universities and other peace organizations in the Pacific Islands. Guam is the site of the first World Peace Conference on January 26, 1975, where the SGI's precursor, the International Buddhist League, was established. Commemorative events began with the opening of two exhibitions, "Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World" and Morehouse College's "Gandhi, King, Ikeda: A Legacy of Building Peace," at the Guam Governor's official residence. At the January 13 opening, Guam Governor Felix Camacho expressed admiration of the peace efforts of Guam SGI-USA members as well as the Ikedas' peace contributions. From January 17 through 21, the two exhibitions will show at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Library on the University of Guam campus. On January 13, SGI-USA Guam Chapter held a general meeting, attended by SGI-USA General Director Daniel Nagashima.

Guam Community College President Herominiano delos Santos (right) presents certificates to SGI representatives

Guam Governor Felix Camacho (foreground, 3rd from right) participates in ribbon-cutting for SGI-USA's "Building a Culture of Peace" exhibition

Tumon, Guam, hosts 2nd Pacific Island Peace Conference

On January 14, SGI-USA and Soka University of America (SUA) cohosted the Second Pacific Islands Peace Conference in Tumon, Guam. University presidents and professors, representatives from peace and human rights organizations in the U.S. and the Pacific Islands and many local residents participated. SUA President Daniel Habuki gave a keynote speech and introduced first Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi's educational philosophy. Mr. Habuki spoke about the importance of education in today's world, emphasizing Mr. Makiguchi's belief that the purpose of education is children's happiness. With the theme, "Humanistic Education: Fostering a Culture of Peace," participants broke out into two groups for panel discussions and exchange of ideas on peacebuilding through education.

Chamorro dancers

On January 15, SGI-USA Guam Chapter hosted a culture festival in Adelup attended by over 300. The show included the Chamorro Dance--a traditional dance of Guam, as well as Indian, Japanese and Korean folk dances. On the occasion, Guam Community College (GCC) presented SGI President Daisaku Ikeda and Mrs. Kaneko Ikeda each with a humanitarian award for their distinguished contributions to peace and nonviolence. Mr. Nagashima received the certificates, on behalf of the Ikedas, from GCC President Dr. Herominiano delos Santos.