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AN AGELESS GESTURE AND SYMBOL WHOSE TIME HAS COME
REVIVED TO GUIDE THE HUMAN RACE IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM
TO PROTECT OUR FRAGILE PLANET
These hands, the symbol of brotherhood and togetherness, are the life size hands of a teenage boy and girl. Their clasped hands are asking mankind to embrace the worthiness of life - - to work for the preservation of our planet, to have all people learn to live in peace and harmony - - To have care and involvement become the guiding virtues of the Human Race
The handshake sculpture was conceived by William Fili, one of a group of World War II prisoners of war who gathered at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania in August of 1976 to participate in the celebration of our nation's 200th birthday. His conception resulted in a peace monument that was presented to all the peoples of the world on that August day. The bronze plaque with the symbolic joining of hands, inscription (see inscription) and stone monument was accepted by the Freedoms foundation of Valley Forge for perpetual care. The monument now rests just a few feet from the famous statue of George Washington kneeling at prayer.
It is fitting that the life-size hands in the sculpture are of a teenage boy and girl. For it is the young who will be entrusted with the awesome responsibility of future peace for your nation and the continued existence of our planet. If we are to survive as a people, it is absolutely essential that they perpetuate the golden link of courtesy, trust and friendship throughout the world.
One of the most peaceful and trustworthy gestures we have today is the firm clasp of ands between two people. It acknowledges friendships new and old, and confirms business agreements between people of honorable intent. Once upon a time, before we became so enmeshed in our webs of legal red tape, no written contract could bind a man more firmly to his commitment than giving his own hand on it, and family and heirs would honor that "gentlemen's agreement" long after he had passed away.
To trace the origin of the handshake, it is necessary to consider the aggressive, hostile world that existed when man first stood erect. "Kill or be killed" was the first commandment when strangers met. Eventually we recognized that more safety, more food and better shelter resulted from community living and thus we decided to tolerate a few chosen comrades, bonding with them to form the first tribes.
Those were uneasy truces among savage men and it is easy to imagine two strangers approaching one another, Circling warily- hands raised and ready for offensive or defensive action. Suddenly they close, grasping each other's forearms, rendering themselves non-combative. Only then does verbal communication become possible. Since then, every culture, however simple or sophisticated, had some means of indicating a desire for détente by a show of hands.
Armored knights used the forearm clasp, their clumsy attire making a handclasp impossible. Among the military, Salutes have served the dual purpose of showing the empty hand with the additional gesture of respect indicated by touching the fingers to the forehead. Courtiers mastered the sweeping bows and flowery hand gestures that we associate with the dazzling lifestyles of European Royalty.
The greeting of the European settlers and the North American Indians consisted of the flat palm raised with fingers pointed to the sky, showing the absence of concealed weapons, followed by a clasping of the hands.
In the late 1870's, fashionable people affected a greeting in which the hands were rather Limply clasped almost at nose level. About that same time, the ladies began to shake hands too, but only if the gentleman extended his first. Of course, as legend would have it, some gallant fellow, upon meeting a particularly dainty creature, could not resist the impulse to lower his head and kiss the slender fingers resting in his and voila! Another fashion was born to the delight of ladies everywhere.
Today, the handshake has become so universally a sign of mutual respect, that it is considered a personal insult to refuse an extended hand when greeted or introduced. It is also considered a sign of ignorance if the handshake is not given with firmness, warmth, smile, and most important, with eye contact. Never - Never - with a limp hand.
Through repetition, the best of customs can become empty gestures, and for some the handshake is a Meaningless ritual. The next time you offer your hand, stop a moment and think about this plaque and - - Remember - - your handclasp could be that final GOLDEN LINK in a chain of courtesy, trust and friendship encircling our globe.
© William J. Fili 1977
It is a truism that talented people require motivation in order to realize their full potential. It is also a truism that money alone seldom provides the spur to greater achievement. Most men and women crave recognition above and beyond the tangible benefits of cold hard cash. The award version of the Golden Link Sculpture could be the symbol of recognition and the inspiration to greater heights. This is particularly so when it is presented in the presence of peers and superiors. Here is a lasting expression of appreciation that will bind the donor and the recipient in the Golden Link of Friendship so beautifully expressed by the clasped hands in gleaming bronze. It is certain to become a treasured heirloom in the years to come.
Another version of the Golden Link Handshake Sculpture is this beautiful plaque with its golden inscription. It would be easy for anyone to visualize it hanging on the wall of the den, office, or possibly in the business conferenceroom or office. The plaque would be a reminder to all who see it that there is another way to achieve peace and harmony on our fragile Planet. It would also instill the virtues of care and involvement for one another in the business World, social environment and, more importantly, in our family life. The plaque is certain to become a treasured heirloom in the years to come.
You'll take great pride in owning and displaying this collectors
edition desk set, or in presenting it to someone as a gift. It is a masterpiece
of the sculpture's and the wood workers art, carefully crafted and finished
by hand to a brilliant luster.
The clasped hands are of pure bronze while the base is of carefully
selected fruitwood. There is a small bronze plaque on the base that will
be engraved to further personalize the set. The holders are designed to
receive high quality pens and pencils available today. Because these sets
are carefully crafted by hand only a limited number will be Offered now
or ever, each will be registered. The record of the original owner and
the respective serial number will be zealously maintained.
The long harsh winter at Valley Forge is over. The early spring brings forth a new inspiration, and General George Washington is kneeling at Prayer. Thankful that most of his Gallant and Brave men had survived the ordeal. The new Monument now rests with a few feet of the Magnificent bronze statue of General Washington at the Freedoms Foundation in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Below is the Photo and Text On the monument.
This web site is owned by William J. Fili.
Reproduction or any use of this Copyrighted material without the written
permission of William J. Fili or Filcon Publishers is strictly prohibited.
Please contact us if you have any interest in the displayed materials
Filcon Publishers 33 Northgate Village, Media,
PA 19063 Tel. (610) 565-5035
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Other Web Site:
"Passage to Valhalla" 
Last updated June 21, 2006