Recognizing the International World Peace Rose Gardens

Floor Speech

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Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the International World Peace Rose Gardens and the founders--TJ ``The Rose Man'' David and Sylvia Villalobos--as they celebrate with community members at the 20th anniversary of the California State Capitol World Peace Rose Garden, located on the grounds of the California State Capitol. I would like to also recognize the 31st anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Jr. ``I Have a Dream'' World Peace Rose Garden that TJ David and Sylvia Villalobos will be attending on May 11th this year, along with members of the National Park Service and the Atlanta community

Founded in 1988, the Sacramento-based non-profit organization celebrated in 1992 the first garden, the Martin Luther King, Jr. ``I Have a Dream'' World Peace Rose Garden, at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta, Georgia. The organization now has ten World Peace Rose Gardens around the world, including the California State Capitol World Peace Rose Garden in Sacramento. TJ David and Sylvia Villalobos have been strong advocates in raising awareness of important national leaders and causes. They continue to provide inspiration for all. Through the Inspirational Messages of Peace Contest, youth in grades K-11th are invited to write about an aspect of peace they believe in.

Established in 2003, the California State Capitol World Peace Rose Garden in Sacramento is dedicated to peace for women, children, and families. Featuring more than 650 roses with hundreds of varieties, the garden serves as a public monument for international, intercultural, and interfaith understanding. This garden is the symbolic center for global programs that nurture creative expressions of peace by students. Forty-four plaques bearing messages of peace from children around the world are displayed throughout the garden, inspiring visitors as they relax or explore. The garden is one of the rare and few honored to display All American Rose Selections, featuring new types of roses never-before seen by the public. The garden also honors veterans, with a dedicated section of roses named after wars, honor medals, and veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in thanking TJ ``The Rose Man'' David and Sylvia Villalobos for making their vision a reality by creating International World Peace Rose Gardens, spreading the message of peace and harmony through the beauty of roses.

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