PEACE FOR ALL
Hundreds of people form a human banner at WSI’s event on International Day of Peace.
By Christine Mrak
“We have become WE,” declared WSI Co-Director and event organizer Laurie Rinehardt as hundreds of people formed a large human banner spelling “PEACE” and waved tiny dove flags on the waterfront north of Jack Block Park. With the city skyline in the background and seabirds dodging drones overhead, WSI and ally organizations honored the UN’s “International Day of Peace. Those assembled embodied the theme that “the whole is more than the sum of its parts”-- a metaphor, Laurie noted, for the struggle going forward.
WSI was joined by several ally organizations. Vashon Indivisible brought drum rhythms and sported the flag “Taking Action For Democracy”. Southend Indivisible carried a large banner spelling Peace in multiple languages. Evergreen Resistance manned a tent and handed out water and pastries.
In addition to spontaneous call and response chants, a festive air was supported by several organizations. Uke Uprising serenaded the assemblage accompanied by ukuleles. LaRiviera Maya Food Truck supplied Guatemalan themed food options. Dressed as clowns, the Resistance Band played kazoos. Rise Up Productions provided an array of relevant songs with protest lyrics such as Marley’s: “Get Up. Stand Up. Stand up for your rights.” And “Captain America” led the group in a lyrically revised and relevant rendition of Queen’s “We Will Rock You.”
Speakers amplified the theme of community.
Laurie Reinhardt acknowledged the example set by the indigenous Duwamish people of a community-based culture that practiced stewardship of the land.
Port Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed noted that against a worldwide surge in conflict we choose peace, community and hope.
Ukranian Catholic University Development Officer Irene Danysh emphasized the importance of resilience and the need to “Act Now” for a just, accountable peace in Ukraine and Palestine.
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project Executive Director Malou Chavez decried the cruel chaos fomented by the Trump administration against immigrants. She urged strategic, collective defense of one another.
Mayor Bruce Harrell noted that the Trump administration is trying to blind us with their “eye for an eye” rhetoric. He praised those assembled in the “PEACE” banner for caring and standing up against violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Reverend Andrew Conley-Holcomb urged us to “grow into peace in heart and body” because anger focuses on what hurts us, not what heals us. He urged us to “unclench”and resist tyranny by increasing humanity, community and a culture of life– a power greater than the sum of its parts.
The event closed with 5 bagpipers playing “Amazing Grace”.
WSI is grateful to all who turned out and thank the Merlino family for allowing us to use their land for this Peace Day assembly.
