Arkansas Celebrates National Parents' Day at the State Capitol
On Saturday, July 25, 2026, the Universal Peace Federation of Arkansas, in partnership with local faith and community organizations, celebrated National Parents' Day in the historic Old Supreme Court Room at the Arkansas State Capitol. The event welcomed 53 participants, including 34 guests, 15 members, and 4 first-time participants, reflecting UPF's continued outreach to community and faith leaders.
The celebration opened with an interfaith prayer service featuring representatives from the Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities, highlighting the shared belief that strong families are the foundation of peaceful societies. Throughout the program, speakers emphasized the importance of honoring parents whose love, sacrifice, and commitment strengthen both their families and their communities.
A major highlight was the recognition of three outstanding couples and one exemplary single mother with National Parents' Day awards. The honorees represented diverse backgrounds and life experiences but shared a common dedication to raising children with strong moral values and serving others.
The event benefited greatly from the support of Ambassador for Peace Ms. Vee Mays, who serves in both the Arkansas Senate and the State Auditor's Office. Through her efforts, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders personally signed letters of recognition for each of the honored parents and issued an official Parents' Day proclamation. Additional letters of greeting were received from Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin and Speaker of the Arkansas House Brian S. Evans, reflecting strong bipartisan support for honoring exemplary families.
The program featured inspiring remarks from Rev. Dr. John Jackson, who spoke about True Parents' vision of the family as the cornerstone of peace, as well as musical presentations by a choir representing first-generation members, second-generation youth, and new members. Community leaders and guests also shared personal testimonies celebrating the lifelong influence of devoted parents and the importance of preserving family values for future generations.
The celebration concluded with all participants joining hands to sing "Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand," symbolizing unity, love, and mutual support. Each guest received a commemorative magnet featuring True Parents and UPF contact information, providing a meaningful reminder of the day's message.
The Arkansas National Parents' Day celebration strengthened partnerships with government officials, faith leaders, educators, and community representatives while reaffirming UPF's vision that strong marriages and healthy families remain the essential building blocks of a peaceful and prosperous society.