23rd Annual Hiroshima Nagasaki Vigil in Ashland Oregon

PRESS RELEASE
23rd Annual Ashland, Oregon   Hiroshima-Nagasaki Vigil
August 6-9, 2008

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.

 On the evening of August 6 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.

A film and documentary showing will be on Thursday evening, August 7, 2008 at 7 p.m. at Peace House.  We will view  “Nuclear Weapons and the Human Future” and “ A Mother’s Prayer,” followed by discussion. This is free and open to the public.

Saturday August 9, 2008 will begin with a vigil starting at 10 a.m. and lasting through the day along with informational tents and other educational and memorial events including The Red Earth Descendants, who will present a drumming circle. 

The Silent Closing will begin at 8 p.m. that evening with participants and community members  gathering on the plaza to process to the Lithia Park Meyer Memorial Lake (the lower duck pond) where there will be a quiet, contemplative ceremony with floating lights on the water.

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 .