The Gathering 2015 volunteers made 1,000 prayer ties for our military veterans serving in the four directions.
     Close to 200 veterans of all ages, who attended the grand entry on Oct. 30 and Nov. 1, received prayer ties made the traditional way using Native American locally grown tobacco.
     Rather than burn these remaining prayers, which is a tradition (as the prayer ties go up in smoke towards the heavens/Father Sky, so do the prayers) these prayers are on their way to the Rotary Peace Conference being held in Californian next week. 
     Veterans and those who know a veteran attending the peace conference will physically receive prayers made here in Virginia. Supplies are provided for people in California to also make prayers for vets.
     "This Turtle Box will carry our east coast prayers to the west coast as we remember our veterans into this new year," said Rene' White retired Air Force Lt. Col and executive director for The Gathering 2015. "May all our veterans receive peace as they work to protect our freedoms around the globe,"
     The theme for the Calif. peace conference is, "Connecting Leaders and Conflict Resolution Experts with Solutions to Create a Culture of Peace."

     For schedules for upcoming gatherings check out www.HarvestGathering.org or The Gathering on facebook.