Feature story - August 3, 2005
BANGALORE, India — Anniversaries come and go. They mean very little to most of us. Most of the time they evoke nothing more than exasperation at the sight of a few people standing at a busy traffic island desperately trying to keep a few candles alight. Its easy to be indifferent and cynical but its important to remember that these anniversaries are about remembering. Every once in a way as a civilization we bear witness to something that shocks us out of complacency and forces us to take positions.
Few of the thousands of peace boats sent to us by supporters from all over the country.
This year Greenpeace is commemorating 2 important
anniversaries that are important for the peace and environmental
movements across the world. The 20th anniversary of the sinking of
the Rainbow Warrior and the 60th anniversary of the Hiroshima
Bombing. Both anniversaries commemorate events that clearly
indicate utter disdain for the lives of common citizens, the
arrogance and lack of respect to voices of protest and also are
testimony to the grit and determination of people and
organizations.
Its 20 years since the bombing of the S.V Rainbow Warrior by
French agents in 1984 while campaigning for a Nuclear Free Pacific
on July 10 1985. This act of state terror only strengthened our
resolve and we continue with the message of 'You can't sink a
Rainbow' The Rainbow warrior has been a symbol not only of this
unique skill and capacity of the organization but symbolizes the
courage and spirit of non-violent struggle, hope and defiance in
the face of the worst provocation.
Starting July 1st, 2005, we met people on the streets of 10
cities in India telling them the story of the Rainbow Warrior and
reminding them of the horrors of the bombings of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki. People who believed in a nuclear free world stopped on
the streets, struck up conversations, folded an origami paper boat
and wrote their message of peace addressed to the Prime Minister
of India. We now have with us the messages from over 10,000 people
who have rejected a world with Nuclear weapons. We also have with
us boats that have been folded by over 20,000 children demanding a
Nuclear Free Future
On August 6th all these messages saying clearly NO MORE
HIROSHIMAS will be handed over to the Prime Minister of India by
Greenpeace activists and children from various schools from Delhi
who were part of an intiative by Hindustan Times Pace. As a global
organization with over 44 offices greenpeace has brought together
messages from across the world appealing for a Nuclear Free
Future.
The centerpiece of Greenpeace's Hiroshima 60 commemoration
activities is the Wings of Peace Activity in Hiroshima on 6 August.
We have already received over 10,000 messages. These messages will
be printed on feathers and attached to 20 dove shaped balloons that
will float in front of the Hiroshima Dome on the morning of 6
August. This activity, which will take place between 8am and 10m
Japan time, will accompany a small ceremony where we will pay our
respects to the 60th Anniversary, as well as reconfirm our
commitment to peace and a nuclear free world.
We invite you to send your messages of peace and join this
cyberaction to honor the dead and also celebrate the sprit of
resistance and peace.
View the
Hiroshima slideshow
Read the related
Press Release
To mark the 60th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima
and Nagasaki, the world is blogging for Greenpeace. Join in the
discussion, add your voice to the peace and disarmament campaign,
and help our working by making a pledge to Greenpeace...
http://bloggingforgreenpeace.blogspot.com/