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.”
~ 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.
Youth Climate Action Team, local youth joined by local community members, Safe Skies Clean Water Wisconsin Coalition and Veterans for Peace and Antiwar Activists
#YCAT #NoF35s
Photos by Tim Greisch
#Sustainability #HonorTheEarth
“YCAT Inc. relies on the passion and energy of youth as prior generations have failed to act. We aim to provide low-commitment opportunities to members and volunteers to increase accessibility and operate as a top-heavy organization, where our Board of Directors does most of the work.”
More from Safe Skies [No F-35’s] on noise and toxic chemicals
We stand in solidarity against wasteful war profiteering, JSF F-35’s, against the war machine and the rest of the polluters that do more harm than good.
Opportunity to volunteer in Madison, Sat. May 28th, starting at 9 am for a couple hours: You can help Veterans for Peace Chapter #25 set up the “Memorial Mile” along Atwood Avenue in Olbrich Park.
Because of COVID, for the past two years, we were unable to install the long stretch of tombstones, which we have created as a remembrance of one of the worst costs of war. We find the world today in a hazardous state and believe it is important to again install the Memorial Mile as a reminder of the costs of war, particularly when use of nuclear weapons is now “on the table”.
Do you think you might be able to assist with the Memorial Mile this year? Let us know as soon as you can. Let us know if you can bring friends.
