Maryland Peace Action: Mourn first, then act

Beginning on Thursday, Aug. 6, and continuing through Sunday, Aug. 9, we commemorate the atomic attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki of 75 years ago. Here is how you can participate:

• Check out the local vigils in communities throughout Maryland and DC, on our Web site.  We list those that are following socal distancing.  Try to participate, if you can.
• Join our Zoom webinar at 7 pm on Aug. 9. The extraordinary Vincent Intondi will discuss connections between Black Lives Matter and the 1945 bombings.  Register now as space is limited —and invite your friends.  When Prof. Intondi spoke at our conference in Nov. 2018, several people commented that they had never heard such an outstanding plenary speech! We will also livestream the webinar on our Facebook page, here.
• The Web site HiroshimaNagasaki75 has collected multiple events to watch at home, for up to 9 hours each day, on Aug. 6 and 9.  Some are being livestreamed, others are pre-recorded.  There are an amazing number of extremely interesting options to choose from.  Check out the schedule, and watch what you can--for the inspiration you will gain.

And now, a small ask:  Survivors of the Japanese attacks who are still living, the Hibakusha, have created a petition that they will present to the United Nations in support of the treaty to ban nuclear weapons.  They hope to bring to the UN millions of signatures, showing worldwide support for the treaty.  You can sign the petition here, and then your name will be added to those of others throughout the world who understand the insanity of such weapons.

Finally, we quote from the evocative vision statement of the Ribbon, a project we love and are promoting because it enables us to share our hopes and fears while we advocate for profound change:

We come to confront the cumulative violence within ourselves and our institutions. We seek a transformation that will nourish a social, economic, political and ecological balance that can ensure a future for our children and ourselves. 

Such a future requires abolishing nuclear weapons. May we all, like the Hibakusha, work diligently towards that goal.

In solidarity,

Jean Athey:  Maryland Peace Action
Dat Duthinh: Western Maryland Peace Action

Lucy Duff: Prince George’s County Peace and Justice Coalition

Tony Langbehn:  MD United for Peace and Justice
Erinn Mansour: Howard County Peace Action

Michael Keller:  Anne Arundel Peace Action
Susan Kerin: Peace Action Montgomery

Richard Ochs:  Baltimore Peace Action

 

Maryland Peace Action
P.O. Box 27001
1220 Race St
Baltimore, MD 21230-9998
United States