Bridge of Peace (WFWP Latin America)
Written by: Gloria Dantas
On April 15, 2023, women from the southern area of Latin America, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay, convened together at the Uruguay National Garden, a castle in the capital city of Uruguay, to celebrate the Sisterhood Ceremony “Bridge of Peace.”
Professionals from different areas of society and ambassadors for peace, adding up to 85 people, were present at the event. The chairwoman of Uruguay, Prof. Marisa Machado, gave the welcoming remarks.
The Uruguayan band from the Family Federation offered two wonderful songs related to the event. Prof. Gloria Dantas, Director of the subregion, explained the significance and history of the “Bridge of Peace”.
Following the presentation, Mrs. Audry Olivera, secretary of WFWP Uruguay, submitted an act of contrition before the Paraguayan ladies because of the tragic battle of Acosta Nu, a battle fought by Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil against the Republic of Paraguay. At such battle children of seven to eight years old were used as soldiers. They held the legs of the Brazilian soldiers begging them not to be killed. They were beheaded right away. It was a very moving act through which the Paraguayan ladies felt liberated.
Later, Mrs. Elena da Silva, Vice President of WFWP Uruguay, explained the development of the sisterhood ceremony. There were about 20 new sisterhoods, between the ladies from Uruguay and the guests from Argentina, Chile and Paraguay. The new “sisters” came together under a bridge of balloons, exchanged presents and showed so much gratitude for having a new sister to solve historical conflicts, especially between Uruguay and Paraguay; and Easter Island and a Peruvian lady living in Uruguay.
The chairwomen from Argentina, Prof. Rosetta Conti, and from Chile, Mrs. Sachiko Grange gave congratulatory remarks. Mrs. Roswitha Giuliano, the Vice President of WFWP Latin America, closed the event with warm words to the audience.
There was the traditional cutting of the cake of victory. Women from different countries sang and danced to entertain the guests. Mrs. Ofelia Fernández from Argentina sang two “tangos”, a traditional melody from the area. Mrs. Rozimeire Ika de Arruda danced the beautiful dance from Easter Island. The Japanese ladies living in Uruguay and Chile sang two nice songs in Japanese.
To close the performances a dance group from Uruguay “Grupo de Danza del Este,” represented by Prof. Pedro Amarillo Lacruz and Prof. Pilone Velozo danced appealing folk dances inviting the public to join them towards the end.
All the artists were given an acknowledgment for their contribution to the artistic part of the program.
All in all, it was a very motivating experience. The women at the event were inspired by the amazing event. They compromised to keep in touch with one another and to meet again soon at Easter Island.
