Silo in Manatiales, Chile, May 6, 2006

Dear friends,

On May 4th, 1969, we held our first public event; it became the foundational event of our current of thought. This foundational event 37 years ago did not start from a declaration of principles, neither from a more or less ideological document, nor from an institution, but instead from a testimonial attitude that—in defiance of the military dictatorship—expressed itself against all forms of violence.

In 1999 we celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of that first event; the Movement by that time had taken on a multiplicity and variety of forms. In those 30 years public opinion had changed enough that it could accept that there was no reason that a Movement had to be only a political party, or a social organization, or a cultural group. Already in the ideological atmosphere of those times diversity of expressions and ideas started to take on importance, at least in an abstract way, even though our diversity of opinion was not accepted, nor our field of interests and procedures.

Time passed and in 2004 the celebration, which was taking on an annual rhythm, was realized only in one geographical point; in 2005 in several points and in 2006 in diverse continents, countries and locations.

This is how we summarize the history of these public events. It is certainly not the history of our considerable and diverse activities that today are multiplying all over the world.

Also today we are inaugurating here in Chile this Park, Los Manantiales, and from here we take the opportunity to send our warmest greetings to our very dear friends who, once again in different latitudes, in halls, neighborhood halls and meeting places are commemorating once again the anniversary of what took place back on May 4th, 1969. From this magnificent place we should consecrate this movable day so that in the future it will be remembered as the “Day of Testimony”. A testimony that gives priority to this human attitude and that justifies it in itself and places it above all ideologies, all theories and all practical calculations. This point of view, according to which what comes first is the expression of human life with its certainties, its doubts, its attempts, its rebellions, raises up those who have their feet on the earth and their head in the heavens.

The inauguration of Los Manantiales Park also invites us to encourage the construction of parks in Alexandria and Bombay, at the same time we see halls becoming realities in Umbria, Italy, in Red Bluff, California and in Toledo, Spain.

The parks in Chaco and La Reja are also joined by this one of Los Manantiales. All of these are completed and functioning. And at this time we are in conditions to re-start the construction of the historical Park of Punta de Vacas.

As we know, these Parks are open arreas where one can stroll, where there are various areas to meet and interchange, areas for meditation, and in some cases, with areas that serve for retreats and study.

Having outlined our present situation, there only remains to say that we hope to encourage the activities that have been planned so that all the Parks may be finished by 2007.

In this warm and lovely celebration of our 37th anniversary we cannot but give testimony the we will now ratify in a group ceremony.

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