My Momoko

Today was a beautiful day to join the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park Dedication Ceremony at King Farm. The festival and activities were performed through out the entire Mattie’s Park. This series captured the best moments that took place at the Peace Garden of the Mattie’s Park.



Procession by Montgomery County Pipes and Drum Band.


At Peace Garden of the Mattie’s ParK


Crowd at the Peace Garden


"Peace is possible. It can begin simply, over a game of chess and a cup of tea." ~ Mattie J.T. Stepanek (1990-2004)


The inscribed bricks in the Peace Garden


Dedication the Mattie Park to the enjoyment of all Rockville Residents


Ribbon cutting and sculpture unveiling




Friends of Mattie's



Mattie’s Mom and dog


Mattie’s messages engraved on every benches. There are more than dozen benches in the park, here are just a few.




Hope Mattie’s vision and passion for peace will continue to grow beyond this beautiful park and into the world.

Thank you!
I was having a stressful evening but this reminded me that there's always a new tomorrow of possibilities!!

OK next time we go to the States, I'm definitely adding this park to our itinerary.

Mikan: sorry to hear that you had a rough night, hope as the days goes it will get better for you. * hug*
yoof san: That’s great!! If you do plan to come to the States, please let me know, my house is only a few blocks from the park.

Lovely pics Dana. I haven't heard of Mattie before. I looked him up and found him to be quite a roll model. Thank you for posting this dedication ceramony.

melissa wrote:Lovely pics Dana. I haven't heard of Mattie before. I looked him up and found him to be quite a roll model. Thank you for posting this dedication ceramony.

My thought's exactly. He was wise beyond his age.

Thank you, nataluna, Melissa and Chuplayer for your comments. Every time when I go to the park, I try to find and capture more benches and plaques with quotes from Mattie’s books. It’s quite inspirational.

Here is just a local news on Oprah joined the community to dedicate Mattie's park, if anyone is interested to read about it. thanks!
http://www.gazette.net/stories/10222008 ... 2471.shtml

Are any of his poems online?
I remember I read one and it was really very, very impressive.

Mikan wrote:Are any of his poems online?
I remember I read one and it was really very, very impressive.

Dear Milan, I am not sure if his poems are available on-line, but here are some of his quotes on the park benches that I captured so far, they might be putting a few more…

Thank you!
Yep, I sense a soul who came with a mission, finished it, and went Home...!

Beautiful messages and photos. Thank you Dana! My internet at home could open even one of your photo. I use the internet at uni now. I meant to comment to your post but I couldn't see the photo.
They are great. Love your girl and her T shirt. So cute! She fit in with the theme nicely! ^^