Standing up–and riding–for peace

The note from Wally Inglis, as usual, was a reminder to stand up for peace. It said simply:

“Let’s begin October with a good turnout and renewed commitment to our call for nuclear disarmament … and an end to militarism everywhere! We will meet as usual at the Capitol on the first working day of the month: 

Thursday, October 1, 11:30 till noon.“

And so they did. A small group of veteran peace activists, including people like Carolyn Hadfield of Refuse Fascism Hawaii, gathered in front of the statue of Fr. Damien to do what they have done faithfully ever since the infamous false alarm in Honolulu about an incoming missile on the morning of January 13, 2018.

It didn’t matter to Inglis how many showed up. What has always mattered is making clear that a warning siren — like the one that wails at 11.45 a.m. in Honolulu on the first working day of each month — is not the answer. Stopping the continuing irrational and potentially self-destructive nuclear arms build-up is.

They were joined this month by two peace-makers from Norway: Tore Naerland and Erik Berge. Almost blind, 72 year old Tore Naerland has cycled through 125 countries under the banner of his organization, Bike For Peace, urging countries to come to their senses and end the proliferation of nuclear arms. Like Inglis, Naerland believes peace starts with what we each do in our communities. From there it can radiate out, creating a better, more peaceful world.

The Norwegian bikers were hosted by Col (Ret) Ann Wright, a former diplomat and Army officer who campaigns tirelessly for peace. She has bravely taken that call into the halls of power in Congress and the Pentagon, working in concert with other organizations like CODEPINK and Veterans for Peace dedicated similarly to getting elected officials and the military to understand the urgency of the issue.

Come join the next Peace Vigil on Monday November 2 at 11.30 at the Honolulu Capitol! And bring a friend.