Knowing that not one of us is free until all of us are free, the world celebrates the 50 Year Anniversary of the historic freedom march, Selma to Montgomery, which directly led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in the United States. The Poetic PEACE Pilgrimage bows deeply to and is greatly inspired by the countless peace pilgrims who courageously bear witness, who walk the talk of being love, peace, justice and harmony no matter the personal cost.

I love Aloha spirit being infused into the ethers of this pilgrimage. The journey of the iconic flower garlands began a year earlier when Dr King had lectured at the University of Hawaii and met the Reverend Abraham Akaka. To show support for civil rights, the Reverend Akaka sent the spirit of compassion and love embedded in the lei to the marchers in Alabama instilling an image of a bridge of unity across the planet.

Tomorrow, Hawaiian-born, President Barack Obama will march wearing a lei from his native state and carry all who love freedom on this sacred journey of peace.

Mahalo!