The International Committee for the Banner of Peace

The Visit of Dr. Alicia Rodriguez to Ecuador

Esteemed members of the Peace Flag Coordination projects from around the world:

I have known since before Alicia’s arrival in Quito that this visit would be so brief that we would need to take intense advantage of every possible moment, consciously sharing together in the task of presenting THE BANNER OF PEACE in Quito, on the equator, at the middle of the world.

Memories, like protected jewels, remain with all of us, the members of this Coordination effort in Ecuador — from the moment of Alicia’s arrival in our country until her departure; from her warm smile upon meeting us until the holding back of tears, not wanting to leave; from the happy moment in which we embraced, transmitting a cosmic salute from those with whom we are united in the labor of constructing a new humanity, until the moment when Alicia returned from the airport’s international departure area to give us one more embrace of farewell — an embrace to seal our connection over time and space; or of Pilar’s glistening eyes at this farewell… or of our own…

We were the privileged ones, being present to verify how the presence of the Banner of Peace and its sacred symbol provoked awe in the most experienced television personality in Ecuador, leaving him speechless, almost unable to correctly articulate his thoughts. He finally resorted to more than three minutes of silence before an audience eager to witness the presentation of the Flag to educational institutions, foundations, the Jacchigua Folklore Ballet, the Coordination Ecuador Committee, and the specified television program.

We also were able to witness the tremendous impact generated when the Mayor of the Quito Metropolitan District, General Paco Moncayo, the highest ranking Ecuadorian leader present, received the flag. On Monday, November 28, at exactly 12:00 noon, the city, in the person of its principal magistrate, agreed to care for the Peace Flag, to accept the responsibility for promoting the culture of peace among its citizens, for making itself a city that understands the very profound message of Master Roerich. With the accentuated serenity that characterizes him, Mayor Moncayo responded to the honorable charge, directing almost immediately that sufficient flags be sewn to fly daily in all of the Municipal offices for a period of one year. In addition, he directed that an appropriate green space be constructed in the form of a beautiful park to be named ”The Banner of Peace Park,” and to be administered by the Coordination Ecuador Committee. Finally, he declared that November 28 be added to the city’s official commemoration calendar as the day on which the city of Quito received the International Peace Flag.

It is important to note how the Sub-Secretary of Culture in Ecuador displayed its appreciation by presenting Alicia with the Medal for Cultural Merit, committing itself, also, to working toward inclusion of the content and intent of the International Peace Flag initiative in educational thought for the next academic year.

To see the two official events where the Flag was presented, with an audience in tears and deeply emotional, moved to their hearts, and their souls gladdened to be in the presence of the three spheres within the circle — the truth is that it was an indescribable experience.

Or when during the act of incorporation of new members into the Coordination Ecuador Committee, the secretary ”coincidentally” forgot the buttons with which they planned to distinguish these new members —- moments in which we had to decide to turn over ours to the newly arrived so that they would not be without their honored symbols. Pilar told us, ”that was a beautiful gesture of giving for the benefit of the new ones,” and then during the official ceremony we were instructed to announce that the founding members would be receiving their buttons. ”What buttons, Pily, if there aren’t any more?” we asked, and with the sweetest smile she answered, ”Come on, have faith, just announce it.” What a surprise we had when, once the announcement was made, she and dear Alicia stood, displaying in their hands the buttons that would be placed on our chests…

All of the past hard work, the anxiety due to sudden changes, obligatory schedule modifications, and the infinity of adjustments that preceded Alicia’s arrival, were richly overcome by the precious lessons provided — lessons that benefit us, the citizens of Quito, of Ecuador, and of the entire planet.

The Peace Flag comprises and embraces a new humanity, the certainty of the times that are inevitably developing throughout the world, the promise of unity in diversity, the emergence of the very best talents of the human being.

And our President, this very special being, our Alicia, represents the most refined essence we are able to appreciate: pure Love for all that is human.

In the words of Master Roerich: ”Brother, let us leave that which is transitory, because by any other manner we will not have time to think about that which all consider immutable. Concentrate on the eternal.”

This thought has guided and continues to guide Coordination Ecuador; and from this point on the planet, we send a loving greeting to all our brothers in the light of the Peace Flag.

Thank you to Alicia and to Pilar for giving us this gift — this opportunity to be so very happy during these days.

Sincerely
Jorge Serrano Vallejo, Coordinador Ecuador

TRANSLATED BY CAROLYN KINSMAN

Photos

The Visit of Dr. Alicia Rodriguez to Ecuador.

Dr Rodriguez appointed Honorary Rector, University of Quito UOM.

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