Chapter 1 The Life of the Founder

 Washington Monument Rally

On September 18, 1976, three hundred thousand people attended the Bicentennial God Bless America Festival at the Washington Monument, held under the direction of Reverend Moon.

The rally was part of the bicentennial celebrations for American independence. Reverend Moon's hope was that the rally would bring God's blessing to America and enlightenment to that nation as to its important mission in world history.

In his speech, America and God's Will, Reverend Moon said that God had chosen America as the standard bearer for the establishment of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, and that the Unification Church and America should cooperate to fulfill God's providence of salvation which had been prolonged-the establishment of the eternal Kingdom of Heaven on earth.