06/16/2024
Belted Kingfisher is a water-protector, symbolic of transformation, resilience, prophetic knowledge, creation, and prosperity. Photo taken in Indianola WA, nearby Nuclear Weapons at Kitsap Submarine Base.
2024 PACIFIC NORTHWEST INTERFAITH PEACE WALK
July 28, 2024 Vancouver, WA
โWaterfront to WSUโ 9-noon
In Seattle, two months ago, the longest and best attended PACNW Interfaith Peace Walk in 20 years was held from SeaTac to Ballard. It was dubbed โ25-Mile Walkโ because that is the length of the Gaza Strip north to south.
Over 1000 people, of various ages and diversities participated. Hundreds of young people participated in a peace walk for the first time! More than 2/3 were women. This was a new and clear demonstration, not just against nuclear/space weapons, but PRO Care for Creation (no Climate Change) and Pro Human Rights (Nonviolence). All were invited to stop for lunch at the Seattle Native Duwamish longhouse!
"On that day, at that moment, I drew a picture of hope and a good outlook for the future of humanity. Not only was it a very moving event, but it was also very epoch making. The people who participated in this walk will surely remember the experience for the rest of their lives. It will become a feathered seed and fly all over the world in the future!" Senji
In comparison, our local effort for 15 years of 10 mile walks each year seems small in comparison. Previous walks began as far South as Eugene, OR and have previously included our sister city, Portland. This year, the walk begins here at Vancouver, WA for the first time and will include the other I-5 corridor cities, ultimately concluding in Seattle August 6th. The event is held in August every year, in memory of the Hiroshima/Nagasaki Atomic Bombings, which targeted and killed over 200,000 civilians, including women and children.
All are also welcome to the Lantern Ceremony culmination event in Seattle (Aug 6) which has been organized for over 40 years by Shirley Shimada and Martha Bryce, who celebrated her 90th birthday this year! Literally, the torch will be passed this year to all of us! Even the smallest of efforts and/or contributions will help pass the torch! Even a single step of our 10 miles per day walk, contributes to the realization and vocalization of world peace. Those that canโt walk are encouraged to join the car caravan that supports the walk effort. You could offer to cohost lunch and/or potluck after-party, all are welcome! Please walk with us!
This annual Peace Walk is organized (or sponsored) by Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order, Portland, Vancouver (WA) & Tacoma Catholic Workers, Indian People Organizing for Change(California), Ground Zero Ctr. For Nonviolent Action, Veteran For Peace & more. [Contact] Rev. Senji Kanaeda 206-780-6739, 206-724-7632 (cell.) [email protected] Nipponzan Myohoji Temple 6154 Lynwood Ctr. Rd. NE Bainbridge Island WA 98110-4011 GZcenter.org