3rd annual Day of Thanks

21415 Cardinal Glen Cir, Sterling, VA | Get Directions »
$15.00

The members of Loudoun Interfaith BRIDGES are especially grateful to be celebrating the organization’s 5 year anniversary this season. BRIDGES is a group of diverse faith communities committed to cooperation and dialogue. The Day of Thanks is a special expression of gratitude for Loudoun’s openness and acceptance of religious and cultural diversity. The event features traditional Thanksgiving favorites along with ethnic and vegetarian specialties and live musical performances to inspire awareness and understanding. This year’s MC is Bill Aiken, the Chairman of the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington. Mr. Aiken oversees the SGI-USA Office of Public Affairs which seeks to bring a Buddhist-humanist perspective on issues of peace, culture and education; and works with others to advance the values of global citizenship, peace culture, nuclear disarmament, free religious expression and the separation of church and state. Mr. Aiken has worked extensively in the area of interfaith dialogue and cooperation. Founding BRIDGES member Andy Johnston of Loudoun Cares exclaims  “The Day of Thanks is where Loudoun's diverse interfaith community comes together to celebrate their shared commitment to a Love that encompasses all creation - all people - no matter your religion, ethnicity, skin color, or country of origin.  It is a beautiful thing to see.”

A highlight of the annual program is the Adult Award Presentation to a citizen of Loudoun County who has put forth exemplary effort to promote peace and understanding among diverse faiths. Event organizer Priscilla Martinez feels that the ten year mark of the 9.11 tragedies makes this event especially poignant. She notes “Our theme is ‘A Time to be Thankful’. We’re filling cornucopias to symbolize our gratitude for interfaith cooperation and our remembrance of those less fortunate”. Donations of non-perishable food will be distributed through Loudoun Interfaith Relief to local residents. All are welcome to share in the celebration.