Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Testing to Trident to Treaty - a nonviolent vigil, walk, flash dance, and ceremony August 07, 2021 at 10:00am - August 09, 2021 Pacific Time (US & Canada) Ground Zero Center 16159 Clear Creek Rd NW Poulsbo, Washington 98370, WA 98370 United States Contact person: Mary Gleysteen
Hosted by: Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action
See here for details: https://www.gzcenter.org/event/hiroshima-nagasaki-never-again-2/
The Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action will observe the 76th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Japan in 1945, along with events and presentations that call for the abolition of nuclear weapons and repeat the exhortation of “Never Again!”
This year’s observances start with the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple’s Peace Walk to Green Lake for the From Hiroshima To Hope ceremony Friday, August 6. The gathering begins at 5:30 and the program starts at 6:30. This remembrance with floating candle lanterns has been held every year since 1984 and is a very moving experience.
On Saturday, August 7 we will welcome the Interfaith Peace Walkers to Ground Zero around noon. Participants should bring their own lunch. There will be a tour of the pagoda site and a review of the history of the efforts to build a Peace Pagoda at Ground Zero starting in the 1980’s. The afternoon will include an update on the current state of nuclear weapons. The keynote address will be given by Marshall Islander Rachel Hoffman whose presentation is titled Kijejeto (Persevere). More details on Ms. Hoffman and her presentation at the end of this post. Free camping on the grounds is available.
Sunday, August 8 will focus on preparation for the vigil and action the following day. There will be a discussion of the effectiveness of civil disobedience, a discernment process for those considering direct action, nonviolence training, and role-plays for the action. An exciting feature of this year’s events is the return of the “WAR!” flash-mob dancers featuring the talented Delaney Dancers (click here to see their 2019 Flash Mob at Bangor); a good part of the afternoon of the 8th will be rehearsal and coordination of several dance teams, who will perform Monday morning at the Bangor main gate. The day will conclude with a return performance from longtime GZ associate, musician, and songwriter Tom Rawson.
Monday, August 9 is our morning of action! A light breakfast will be available. The gathering circle for the march, vigil, and action will form at 6 AM, with a blessing from KUUF minister Jessica Star Rockers and recitation of the pledge of nonviolence. The vigil will include songs, signs, banners, the flash-mob performance, and direct action as determined through the discernment process. Vigillers will likely witness the symbolic shutdown of the Bangor main entrance, as Ground Zero activists use their bodies and their consciences to call attention to the great crime that nuclear weapons constitute.
Due to the pandemic, a number of restrictions, guidelines, and modifications are in place. Those who have been double-vaccinated may enter and use the GZ house; all others must stay outside, use masks, practice social distancing and handwashing, and use general common sense. Partly due to COVD concerns, meals will be a combination of brown bagging, potluck, catering or takeout, and some basics prepared in the house kitchen. Please come prepared to be flexible and provide some of your own vittles!
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Saturday, August 7
10 am Registration
10:30 Welcome by organizers, introductions, schedule for weekend
11:00 Welcome Interfaith Peace Walk participants and tour of Peace Pagoda site
12:00 Lunch (Bring your own sack lunch)
1:00 pm Welcome to Ground Zero; introductions, schedule and goals for weekend
1:30 Current state of nuclear weapons by David Hall, MD
2:30 Documentary film screening (to be announced)
3:30 Keynote Presentation by Rachel Hoffman – addressing the legacy of nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands, nuclear injustice and the harms done to her people. The subtitle of her talk is The Marshallese Will Not Whisper.
4:30 Discussion on our current moment – from Hiroshima, testing, etc.; How did we get here?
5:30 Break and Dinner Set-up
6:00 Dinner (catered; vegetarian option available)
7:00 Evening program (still being planned)
8:30 Free Time
Sunday, Aug 8th
10:00 am Welcome to GZ, agenda review, brief introductions
10:30 History of Ground Zero, what we do and why we do it.
11:00 Nonviolence Training
12:00 Delaney Dancers arrive; welcome and tour of Ground Zero
12:30 pm Lunch (bring your own brown bag lunch)
1:30 Introduction to afternoon activities, different roles in Monday’s event, and discernment (for those considering participating in nonviolent direct action; discussion of legal consequences
2:00 Meetings for different roles in Monday’s vigil and direct action
3:00 Rehearsal for Monday’s vigil, dance performance and direct action
4:30 Role play of entire vigil, dance and direct action
5:30 BREAK
6:00 Dinner
7:30 Music with Tom Rawson
8:30 Informal discussion, free time, organizing for Monday
9:00 Bed (wake up 5:00 am for early morning vigil and nonviolent direct action)
Monday, August 9th
5:00 Wake-up, coffee, breakfast on your own, fruit and energy bars
6:00 Gathering circle to prepare ourselves; Pledge of Nonviolence
6:30 March to gate
6:45 Vigil begins; dance lines organized; flash mob approx. 7:00
8:00 Return to GZ
8:30 Closing Circle and Debriefing/Sharing thoughts
9:00 Meeting for arrestees
Contact us at [email protected] with your questions.
DETAILS OF RACHEL HOFFMAN’S PRESENTATION
Rachel Hoffman’s keynote address, Kijejeto (Persevere). will address the legacy of nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands, nuclear injustice and the harms done to her people. The subtitle of her talk is The Marshallese Will Not Whisper.
An elementary school teacher in the Everett Public schools, Rachel Hoffman formerly taught at
Majuro Cooperative School in the Marshall Islands. She has worked with the Boys and Girls Club of Everett in creating art, skits and songs of the legacy of nuclear weapons testing for the annual Nuclear Remembrance Day.
Ms Hoffman currently serves as secretary of The Marshallese Women’s Association which works to address the legacy of compound health conditions and poverty resulting from the nuclear testing that took place in their homeland and which make community members more vulnerable to COVID-19. Her talk at Ground Zero will focus on the barriers to quality of life faced by her community, resulting directly from nuclear testing, historical trauma and colonization.
The keynote address will include a powerpoint presentation with embedded video clips and will also be broadcast via zoom.r