Illinois Labor Leader to Receive World Peace Prize

Posted By: October 31, 2018

Michael T. Carrigan, President, Illinois AFL-CIO

CAPITOL HILL. Wednesday, October  21, 2018—  For the first time in history, an Illinois resident will be honored with the World Peace Prize.

The World Peace Prize Awarding Council (WPPAC) has announced that Michael T. Carrigan president of the Illinois AFL-CIO will receive the prestigious prize of “Roving Ambassador for Peace.”

The presentation ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 8, 2018, in Burr Ridge. It will be preceded by a Brunch at 11 AM, with the ceremony to commence at 12:45 PM at 999 McClintock Dr. Burr Ridge. IL 60527.

World Leader and Master Planner, Rev. Dr. Han Min Su, founded the World Peace Prize in Seoul, South Korea, in 1989. Dr. Han is a Presbyterian Minister.

Dr. Han said: “Our Washington office, headed by Fr. Sean Mc Manus and Barbara Flaherty of the Irish National Caucus, nominated the Honorable Michael Carrigan. Our 14-member Board of International and Interfaith judges unanimously selected Mr. Carrigan. Our Board is comprised of representatives of the world’s nine major religions: Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Russian Orthodox, and Zoroastrianism. We congratulate Mr. Carrigan, while also knowing that his acceptance honors our noble idea and mission of world peace.”

Fr. Sean Mc Manus — President of the Capitol Hill-based Irish National Caucus and Chief Judge of the World Peace Prize Awarding Council (WPPAC)— said: “I have the honor of being the Chief Judge of the World Peace Prize Awarding Council (headquartered in Seoul, South Korea).

We were pleased to be able to propose Michael Carrigan because of the intrinsic link between justice and peace: peace is, indeed, the fruit of justice. Labor Leaders who spend their entire lives working in solidarity for justice for working men and women are, indeed, working for peace—not only nationally but also globally. Hence, Labor leaders — and Michael Carrigan in particular—are eminently qualified to be candidates for the World Peace Prize of Roving Ambassador for Peace. Furthermore, our Peace Prizes encourage members of the Labor Movement to positively think of themselves as not just fighters for justice but as peace builders as well. I believe this gives an important dimension to Labor’s self-understanding, self-image, and self-identity. And, I urge all members of the Labor Movement to embrace it —as I know Michael Carrigan does. So, too, does the national president of the AFL-CIO, the great Richard L. Trumka.”

Michael Carrigan said: “I am humbled and deeply honored to receive this recognition from the World Peace Prize Awarding Council. The Labor Movement and its allies build peace through economic and social justice causes throughout the world. Our fight for justice knows no borders and the enemies of peace are the enemies of justice. The work continues and the Labor Movement will not be distracted from its goals. I would like to thank the Awarding Council for this great honor and accept it on behalf of all in the Labor Movement fighting for justice and building peace throughout the world.”
The first winner of the first Irish American Peace Prize, established by the Irish National Caucus,  will also be announced at the event. END.