Peace Bell Celebration, July 9, 2011

This year we met again on July 9 to pray for peace and for the souls of people who were lost in the recent tsunami in Japan.
We were blessed with good weather, pleasant temperatures and a great view of the Cincinnati skyline.

Venerable Daiun Iba officiated.

Afterwards, we retired to Aoi Japanese Restaurant for food and fellowship.

Special thanks to Sean Dunn for the photos.
--
Steve Rindsberg
http://www.pptools.com
http://www.pptfaq.com

World Choir Games Kick-off on Fountain Square

On Monday, July 11, 2011, several Gifu Sister City Committee members participated in the noontime World Choir Games kick-off
celebration on Fountain Square. Thanks to our friends at Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati and to the
enthusiastic crowd, the event was a great success.

Here you see GSCC chairman Justin Kluemper in his Gifu City Nagara River Ukai (cormorant) Fisherman's happi coat, doing
"Your Name in Japanese" calligraphy on bookmarks for people who visited our booth.

Justin slings a mean katakana.
--
Steve Rindsberg
http://www.pptools.com
http://www.pptfaq.com

PEACE DAY Celebration

The Sister Cities programs in America were founded with the goal of achieving international understanding and peace through
citizen diplomacy. The city of Gifu, Japan has been a valued Sister City of Cincinnati, Ohio since May 11, 1988.
Cincinnati and Gifu have a rich history of cooperation, exchange, respect and friendship.

We commemorate those who fell in the bombing of Gifu City on July 9, 1945 by reaffirming our commitment to world peace.

We recognize that peace is a difficult process, but the first step is to work together and build strong relationships. We
offer our Peace Ceremony as a sign of hope in the future and as a sign of our support of the efforts of all those working
towards world peace.

There will also be a PRAYER FOR JAPAN´S EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

Reverend Daiun Iba of the Cincinnati Buddhist Vihara will officiate.

Gifu Sister City Committee, the City of Cincinnati and the City of Gifu welcome everyone in Greater Cincinnati and
surrounding areas to share your support by attending:

The Peace Ceremony
Saturday, July 9, 4:30 PM

General James Taylor Park
307 Isabella Street
Turn North off Route 8 (4th or 5th Street in Newport) onto Columbia Street
Columbia Street dead-ends into Riverboat Row
Turn Left/West and follow Riverboat Row to the shelter in Taylor Park.

Google map here:
http://tinyurl.com/68d4hwy

Reception to follow at Aoi Japanese Restaurant, Newport on the Levee
If you wish to attend the reception, please RSVP to:

chair@cincinnati-gifu.org

--
Steve Rindsberg
http://www.pptools.com
http://www.pptfaq.com