Peaceworks

We've been getting a steady stream of inquiries about Sunday's No Kings-sponsored events. Many people are expecting a rally or a march. The answer to their questions is:

The No Kings events taking place Sunday (6/14) are not protests or demonstrations. Rather, they are a concert in NYC, which will be live streamed, and watch parties all around the country. The event is focused on the First Amendment. It's called "Rise Up, Sing Out.: It's all about building community.

Details at http://nokings.org

If there's not one near by, you are invited to create your own.

No Kings As the president escalates his authoritarian power grab, the NO KINGS non-violent movement continues to rise stronger. We are united once again to remind the world: America has No Kings and the power belongs to the people.

More than three dozen of us turned out for the Vets for Peace Memorial Day gathering. So as not to miss either the daily peace vigil or the potluck, we moved the vigil to Stephens Lake Park. The picture here includes some of those who joined in the vigil.

The Missourian published an opinion piece Peaceworks Director Mark Haim wrote regarding the Iran war. We encourage readers to read and share. Feedback is also most welcome.

Americans need to speak with louder voices in opposition to war witih Iran The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran is not defensive; we were not invaded or attacked.

Join us Monday!

Our allies in Vets for Peace have shared this message. Link for local gathering is in the comments:

Remembering All Victims of War

Memorial Day is meant to be a solemn occasion for honoring the memory of American service members who have died fighting in U.S. wars. While the government and mainstream media typically use Memorial Day to glorify war, for us it takes on a different meaning. As veterans of U.S. wars, we too remember and mourn our "fallen," but reject the pro-war undertones of the holiday, understanding that so many young lives have been sacrificed unwillingly in wars that should never have happened. And we take care to remember all lives lost in needless wars.

On this Memorial Day, as we pause to remember American service members who have died during the nation's wars, let us also remember the astounding number of civilians who have perished in war. Since WWI, there have been far more civilian deaths in each conflict than military deaths – the ratio worsens by each conflict with each succeeding year – and the number of civilian wounded is many times greater than those killed outright.�

As we remember the soldiers, sailors, military who have died in this nation's wars, we must reflect on the broken lives and communities that endure – here in this country, on this land, and abroad – paying the true costs of war.

For most Americans, Memorial Day is a three-day, red-white-and-blue holiday marking the beginning of summer – a weekend of travel, barbecues, and endless sales. It's as if we Americans understand that the main freedom paid for with the blood of U.S. military members is our freedom to consume.

"Have a good Memorial Day" people will say, as if it is possible to have a good day when one is commemorating the war dead.

For Veterans For Peace, Memorial Day is an occasion for remembering all victims of war. It is a day to re-dedicate ourselves to the cause of peace – at home, and abroad – and to remind through our solemn ceremonies and displays that peace is possible if we really want it.

(Photo is from VFP NYC)

STOP the War NOW!!

A few thoughts regarding the U.S.-Israeli War on Iran.

Stop the War NOW! As we write, we are two and a half months into a war of choice; a war our government told us would be won in a week or two. The U.S.-Israe...

Peace-loving friends, please join us and the Veterans for Peace in an appropriate observance of Memorial Day, an event that honors the memory of those lost to war. This is a challenging time and one that makes peace advocacy all the more needed Please click for event details.

https://www.facebook.com/events/970629119052138