On Saturday 23 March, over 1500 officials, celebrities, religious and community leaders, corporate giants, journalists, Scientologists and many others all gathered at the Church of Scientology in Midrand, popularly known as Castle Kyalami, for the Church’s annual celebration of the Birthday of L. Ron Hubbard.
The event was a heartwarming celebration that was filled with thousands of awards, proclamations and presentations which marked the 113th anniversary of the birth of the Founder of the world’s youngest major religion and the wide-ranging cultural and social betterment movement he inspired.
The celebration held at the Castle Kyalami had attracted the many that have benefitted from his humanitarian works such as the “Drug Free World Foundation”, “The Way to Happiness Foundation”, “Study Technology” and the “Volunteer Ministers” to name a few.
The many recognitions and honors bestowed on Mr. Hubbard since his last celebration, include:
In Washington, DC, where Hubbard famously made history as America’s youngest Eagle Scout, and where today the United States Congress commemorates 100 years since he blazed a trail for generations of Scouts;
In the Philippines, where a young L. Ron Hubbard discovered wonders unknown to the Western world and where, in honor of his wisdom, a high sultan declared Hubbard as a rarely designated Royal Chief;
And in South Africa, where Hubbard fought to throw off the chains of oppression for a people, and where supreme African royals presented a sacred leopard skin bestowed only to royalty by royalty. With that gift came proclamations of profound appreciation for Hubbard.
“While I was watching the event there was a moment when I saw that Mr. Hubbard really wanted to help people. He did this in addition to being a writer and artist. It really showed me how much he cared about people and I thought “Wow, is this an angel sent by God?,” said a local TV presenter.
So, too, came a wave of recognitions, each honoring L. Ron Hubbard’s global humanitarian legacy:
His Study Technology that, for the last half-century, has helped bring literacy to more than 64 million students who now have hope for the future.
His drug rehabilitation technology, which has saved countless lives through a network of centers, double that of any other major rehab treatment center worldwide; And finally, his technology for kindness and morality in the 21 precepts of The Way to Happiness, his common-sense guide for living now available in 118 major languages.
The overflowing appreciation and gratitude also poured in from scholars, cultural institutions, religious leaders, government officials and even federal legislatures—more than 1,000 recognitions and awards in the last year alone.
They all spoke of the countless lives L. Ron Hubbard has touched and uplifted the world over and they expressed their thanks.
“This was my first exposure to Scientology and it was very enlightening. Today I could see that Scientology works across boundaries of religion, politics and race on an international scale. This event really showed me how much of a humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard was,” said another guest that was present.
“The entire world celebrates Hubbard as he has touched millions of lives across every part of this world. It is an honor for us to continue his legacy of humanitarianism and friendship,” said Sandile Hlayisi, Spokesperson for the Church of Scientology.
All told, L. Ron Hubbard’s works on Dianetics and Scientology comprise the largest cohesive statement on the human mind and spirit—more than 5,000 writings and 3,000 recorded lectures, thus developing his description of Scientology as accomplishing the goal of every great religion: Freeing the soul by wisdom.
