On March 30th, the Rumi Forum Maryland held its Peace and Dialogue Awards Ceremony in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The Rumi Forum presented awards to Celebrate Education and Peace Initiatives by Maryland Officials who have shown an extraordinary effort in contributing to a more peaceful society.
The event highlighted the importance of education and intercultural and interfaith dialog in building sustainable peace.
contributions to the State of Maryland and wish them success in all future endeavors.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MARTIN O’MALLEY, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, do hereby offer a special tribute in honor of THE RUMI FORUM, and do commend this observance to all of our citizens.
The Honorable Barbara Mikulski, United States Senator from Maryland, sent a proclamation letter commending the event. Her statement follows.
Congratulations to all of this evening’s distinguished honorees. This award is an affirmation of your lifelong commitment to dialogue, debate, and democracy. I commend you for your achievements and offer you my best wishes for the continued success I know you will enjoy.
In 1788, James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, said that a popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it is but a prologue to Farce or Tragedy or perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own Governors must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives.
Our founding statesmen predicated their concept of a representative democracy on education and knowledge. This protocol has served America well for over 200 years. It is perhaps our best contribution to world peace.