The Supreme Master Ching Hai
By Illinois, USA News Group (Originally in English)
On June 1, Golden Year 10 (2013), hundreds of vegans and vegetarians gathered at beautiful Grant Park in downtown Chicago to march in the second annual Chicago Veggie Pride Parade. Organized by ChicagoVeg- Chicagoland Vegetarian and Vegan Community and a number of other local vegan advocates, the parade’s mission is to unite those who recognize the advantages of a plant-based diet and wish to promote it.
Holding eye-catching banners and posters, participants of all ages, nationalities and religions walked through the streets of Chicago and received much positive feedback along the way. Many drivers honked their car horns or gave thumbs-up signs to show their support. Wearing animal costumes and different styles of “Be Vegan” T-shirts, our Association members from the Chicago Center also participated in this meaningful event.
Then an afternoon gathering in the park featured guest speakers, costume contests, raffles and games. The highlights included the reading of a letter from the Mayor of Chicago, the Honorable Rahm Emanuel, proclaiming June 1st 2013 to be Veggie Pride Day in Chicago. The Mayor encouraged “all Chicagoans to show support to our vegetarian and vegan neighbors on this auspicious day.” (See attached letter.)
In addition, the Honorable Frank Avila, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, who conducted a 2011 interview with Supreme Master Ching Hai via video conference entitled, “World Vegan, World Peace: A Conscious Choice,” presented a resolution to a Chicago Veggie Pride Parade representative officially recognizing the event. Commissioner Avila said, “My family and I find it personally rewarding to celebrate the vegan/vegetarian lifestyle. I hope by highlighting this group’s efforts and their parade, more people will come to learn the health benefits of consuming a plant-based diet.”
Our Association members were greatly encouraged to see the plant-based diet being embraced by so many Chicago residents. Through the enlightening leadership of the government and the grace of God, may Chicago soon become one of the world’s first vegan cities!
