This time of the year, those of us involved with Veterans for Peace, believe it is important to recognize the significant loss of lives that our nation [and the world] have experienced. We may have borders, but we are also a part of this world. Understanding our loss may be a step in changing our ways. Having empathy for the loss of others is another step towards change and progress.
In a few hours, we placed around 7,000 simulated grave markers. Although, the early risers may have been putting down the design as early as 6am, who knows. I was sleeping at that time.
“Donuts, coffee, peanuts, soda and wonderful conversation made the job…” – Tom Glassel
“Great photos, Tom! Great, hard-working volunteers! So well organized – excellent work early on by John, Phil, Jeff, and Steve: Bravo! And we made a very good connection with the local press: photographer Kayla Wolf of the Wisconsin State Journal. Excellent conversations and outreach with the public. Two of my students (2nd and 4th graders) brought their Mom to walk the Mile, and will report to their classes.
Onwards! Peace! Larry
“Volunteers gathered at Olbrich Park on Saturday to help Veterans for Peace Chapter #25 set up the Memorial Mile.
Over the past two years, the long stretch of tombstones that are placed to remind people of the worst cost of war could not be set up because of COVID-19.
On Saturday though, with the community’s help, the Memorial Mile made its return.”
With a focus on the current terrible dangers of nuclear war and the imperative of taking action to reduce them, the Defuse Nuclear War live stream will mark the 40th anniversary of when a million people gathered in Central Park for nuclear disarmament on June 12, 1982.
Live event with a wide range of speakers including…
Hanieh Jodat Barnes
Medea Benjamin
Jerry Brown
Leslie Cagan
Jeff Daniels
Mandy Carter
Daniel Ellsberg
Emma Claire Foley
Khury Petersen-Smith
Pastor Michael McBride
David Swanson
Katrina vanden Heuvel
We will also see the world premiere of a video featuring Daniel Ellsberg on “defusing the threat of nuclear war,” produced by Oscar-nominated director Judith Ehrlich.
May this online event will serve as a catalyst for grassroots organizing.
Several dozen peace, disarmament and social justice organizations are co-sponsoring this event, which is sponsored by RootsAction.org and the RootsAction Education Fund.
This two-and-a-half-hour event begins at 4pm Eastern / 3pm Central / 2pm Rocky Mountain / 1pm Pacific.
VIGIL AGAINST THE DRONES
OUTSIDE THE GATES OF VOLK FIELD
TUESDAY MAY 24 3:30-4:30 pm
Dear Friends,
Please join us as we vigil against drone warfare at Volk Field on May 24.
The vigil at Volk Field is a legal vigil where we will be on public property. As always, it will be a solemn vigil, remembering the victims of US government drone attacks.
THE VIGIL – We will gather at the wayside around 3:15 for introductions and to review the plan for the vigil, and then process together to the gates of the base where we will hold a solemn vigil for one hour to remember those killed by drones. Participants can stand in silence or read poems and stories about the effects of drone warfare. It is important that the voices of the victims be brought to the gates of Volk Field.
Bring posters if you can.
A WORD ABOUT THE WEATHER – If you have questions about the vigil because of the weather, please make sure to call Joy at 608 239-4327 or Bonnie at 608-256-5088 for an update.
CARPOOLING – If you are interested in carpooling to Volk Field from Madison, please contact Bonnie at 608-256-5088.
DRONES KILL INNOCENT PEOPLE
VIGIL AGAINST THE DRONES
OUTSIDE THE GATES OF VOLK FIELD
TUESDAY MAY 24 3:30-4:30 pm
We hope to see you at the vigil on Tuesday May 24. If you can’t come this time, mark your calendar. We usually vigil on the 4th Tuesday of every month.
If you have any questions please call or email Joy at 608 239-4327 or [email protected]
~ Peace Walks for Ukraine and the World continue ~
All are invited to a join a peace walk through the tranquil Yellowstone State Park, honoring our watersheds and rejoicing in peaceful community. Songs, poems and prayers in celebration of water and life are welcome.
We will begin with a short ceremony at the park headquarters (near the west entrance), walk the paved road that hugs the lake, and end in ceremony at the dam (near the park’s east entrance). The distance is approximately 2 miles. We welcome a few volunteer vehicles to help transport walkers back to their cars.
After the walk, a fellowship of picnic lunch will happen at the beach.
* Note: A state park sticker will be needed for daily admission *
“What we need is not escalation of conflict with more weapons, more sanctions, more hatred toward Russia and China, but of course, instead of that, we need comprehensive peace talks.” — Kyiv-based Ukrainian peace activist Yurii Sheliazhenko (more here)
“Peace is big. War is big business, you know; and they like war ’cause it keeps ’em fat and happy… and I’m anti-war, so they’re trying to keep me out.”
– John Lennon, 1969
“Remember love. The only hope for any of us is peace. Violence begets violence. If you want to get peace, you can get it as soon as you like if we all pull together.”
– John Lennon, July 1969
Past Friday evening Peace Walks. April 29 / May 6 / May 13
6:30 – Yahara Place Park, gather at the mouth of the Yahara Canal for silence and a song
7:00 – 7:10 – Vigil and greet to drivers and bikers at East Washington Avenue
7:30 – Closing circle near Tenney Park Locks and enjoy the sunset.
War is never the answer. We support brave Ukrainian and Russian anti-war protesters who fly a new flag for peace.
Bring your friends and family. All are welcome. Please help us spread the word. This is an open, joy-filled and inclusive event that celebrates the power of a peaceful community. Families, all ages, colorful flags, costumes, bubbles, etc are welcome! We will walk on sidewalks and bike paths – good for wheelchairs, scooters, strollers, small bikes, etc. Join us for a block, a few blocks, or the whole mile. We invite you to read the six tenets of Dr Martin Luther King’s philosophy of nonviolence.
From World Beyond War: We oppose the Russian invasion and call for the immediate withdrawal of all Russian troops. We recognize that the expansion of NATO and the aggressive approach of Western states have helped cause the crisis and we demand an end to NATO expansion. We also oppose sanctions that will harm ordinary Russians and call on all countries to welcome all refugees fleeing the war.
Join the peace walk google grouphere for notices of future walks.
