Oslo, Norway—UPF-Norway organized a Peace Road event that took 18 bicyclists to a Peace Park on the border with Sweden.
Eighteen members of the cycle club of Fjellfoten village in Akershus County met outside the Town Hall in Nes municipality on June 24, 2018. There the local mayor offered encouraging words and wishes for a good journey. With the Peace Road logo on their backs, the cyclists started their journey, accompanied by shouts of “Good trip.”
The group cycled over 80 kilometers (about 50 miles) through four municipalities until they reached their destination at the border between Norway and Sweden: the Morokulien Peace Park marking the long-lasting peaceful relations between the two nations. This park contains a Korean-built pagoda with a peace bell, donated by the city of Hwacheon in Korea.
Centered on this pagoda, a program for peace was held. The cyclists arrived amid warm applause, and a choir of children sang for peace. The UPF-Norway leader gave an update on the background and purpose of the Peace Road, and the cyclists were introduced and offered some words about their experience.
The mayor of the nearby village of Eidskog welcomed both the Peace Road and the cycle club. Finally, a Korean doctoral student expressed gratitude on behalf of the Korean people, closing with “Kamsa hamnida” (“Thank you”).
To conclude the event the peace bell was rung three times, for peace in Korea and the world.
More than 70 people attended; however, thousands will read about the event, as it was also covered by local newspapers. Various local businesses donated food and other necessities. Even Heaven seemed to be on our side, as the weather was absolutely perfect, in contrast to previous days and weeks. The celebration ended with coffee and refreshments.
Photos by Ole Toresen and Daniel Murud