23rd Annual Hiroshima-Nagasaki Vigil

Submitted by Carol Urner on Fri, 07/25/2008 - 12:53am
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A coalition of Rogue Valley groups have joined to present the 23rd Annual Hiroshima-Nagasaki Vigil in Ashland , Oregon August 6 through 9, 2008. The commemoration will include two days of vigils, educational events on several topics including uranium mining on Native American lands, nuclear abolition, music, poetry and other ceremonies. “It’s not a day we celebrate. It’s a day we remember so that it may never never, never happen again,” explained John Morrison, Ashland Mayor and member of Mayors for Peace, an international organization made up of 2317 member cities from 130 regions and countries, dedicated to the abolition of nuclear weapons.

The opening will be Wednesday, August 6, on the Plaza in Ashland at 8 a.m. with a candle lighting and words of welcome by Ashland’s John Morrison, Mayor for Peace. “The Mayors for Peace,” he said, “ links us with peace loving people all around the world.” Following this, participants will host booths with information on current nuclear issues throughout the day. Linda Richards will speak on nuclear issues including Depleted Uranium weapons and their health effects.

In the evening at 5:30 vigil participants and community people will proceed from the plaza to the Lithia Park Bandshell. Taiko Drummers, speakers, and the Rogue Valley Peace Choir Ensemble will perform.

Our local 2008 Vigil is in its 23rd year in Ashland. It is a diverse collaborative effort including Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Peace House, John Morrison, Mayor for Peace, the City of Ashland, Red Earth Descendants, Rogue Valley Peace Choir, One Sunny Day Initiative, Veterans for Peace of Grants Pass, Ashland High School students, Peace Fence Organization, United Nations Association of Southern Oregon, and Women in Black. Volunteers are currently organizing the event as a sincere commemoration and an educational forum on current nuclear topics.

For further information and updates or to volunteer: Contact Peace House 541-482-9625 or check the web at www.atomicvigil.net .