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AUG. 6 TO 9 Plans set for 30th annual Hiroshima-Nagasaki Vigil Theme for Women's International League for Peace & Freedom event is 'Arm-in-Arm: Time to Disarm' Comment By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Jul. 12, 2015 at 4:35 PM By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Jul. 12, 2015 at 4:35 PM » RELATED CONTENT • Annual Hiroshima observance Thursday » Social News Though eclipsed in recent decades by the big issues of climate change and Mideast wars, the threat of nuclear weapons and atomic energy — and an unforeseen exchange of thermonuclear missiles — is actually growing and is poised for a technological re-do that will consume a trillion of dollars. That’s part of the message of Ashland’s annual commemoration of the American nuclear attack on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which ended World War II 70 years ago, says event co-facilitator Estelle Voeller. The 30th annual event here coming up Aug. 6 through 9 features movies, music, a 24-hour vigil, a traditional origami crane-folding and an educational Nuclear Maze in Ashland’s Plaza. The event, sponsored by the Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom (WILPF), begins with a gong sounding in Lithia Park at 8:15 on the morning of Aug. 6, the same time the atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. The Rev. Norma Nakai Burton will officiate. It’s at the grassy entrance to the park. The event’s title, “Arm in arm, time to disarm” reflects the growing nuclear disarmament movement worldwide, over seven decades, says Voeller. The Nuclear Maze, a large canvas structure, will be assembled on the Plaza, detailing the history of nuclear weapons and their impact on various communities around the world, as well as treaties, testing and nuclear accidents, including Fukushima, she notes. After the opening ceremony, there will be a reading of Ashland’s 1982 proclamation designating the city a nuclear-free zone and a Mayors for Peace City, followed by a moment of silence as the memorial candle is lit. Members of the public are invited to participate in a Japanese water ceremony symbolizing the easing of suffering and share personal reflections. Music is by internationally recognized singer-songwriter Masako Cross. After the ceremony, the public is welcome to walk the Nuclear Maze, consider actions to take, fold peace cranes, and write haiku for the Peace Tree. The vigil will continue on the Plaza until 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7. WILPF and Rogue Climate will present “Art, Music, & Words” at the Ashland United Church of Christ, 717 Siskiyou Boulevard, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8. The event features a collaborative art project — a peace dove collage to be created by attendees. Music will be by Kim Griswell, Rob Lowry and Neil Holland of Peace Rock and by Masako Cross. Dr. Linda Richards of Oregon State University will read her original poem “The Day the Train Stopped,” inspired by her trip to the 2010 Hiroshima-Nagasaki commemorations. The closing ceremony will commemorate the victims of Nagasaki. It’s at the upper Japanese Garden in Lithia Park at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9. The Rev. Caren Caldwell from the Medford Congregational United Church of Christ will officiate. Members of the Japanese Association of Southern Oregon (JA-SO) will sing, as will guest artist, Dr. Mina Carson of Oregon State University. At the vigil’s end, participants will be invited to float sunflowers, the international symbol of the anti-nuclear movement, in the stream while accompanied by Richard Williams on shakuhachi flute. In conjunction with the vigil, two free films will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Medford Library, by cosponsors Citizens for Peace & Justice and Occupy Medford. On Tuesday, July 14, “Crying Earth Rise Up!” will show the human cost of uranium mining and its impact on tribal lands and Great Plains drinking water. The Aug. 11 film, “Into Eternity”, documents Finland's attempt to build the first permanent repository for high-level nuclear waste. “Nuclear weapons and nuclear energy are essentially hidden from us,” says Voeller, “especially here in the Rogue Valley. We’re not touched by it, but it’s very dangerous to forget it’s here. We’re going to spend $1 trillion over the next 30 years on this proposal to update nuclear weapons and delivery systems, with submarines, missiles and planes. “There’s a huge deficit in this country and we’re being pushed by nuclear manufacturers to do this.” The move, she adds, is being opposed by generals associated with the weapons during both Bush administrations. Voeller notes there is a huge international effort, called the Humanitarian Initiative, to abolish nuclear weapons. It’s supported by 110 nations, but not the U.S. WILPF was founded in 1915. It is the oldest women’s peace organization in the world and has branches in 37 countries. WILPF acts to promote peace, social justice, racial equality, and women’s rights. Vigil Co-sponsors include Peace House, Medford Citizens for Peace & Justice, Veterans for Peace-Rogue Valley Chapter 156, Ashland/Talent Clergywomen, Occupy Medford, One Sunny Day Initiatives & OSDI Japan, Japanese Association of Southern Oregon, Red Earth Descendants, Rogue Valley Peace Choir, Ashland United Church of Christ, SOU United Nations Club, Social Justice & Action Committee of R.V. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, South Mountain Friends Meeting, JC Pacific Green Party, Southern Oregon Jobs with Justice, Ashland Unity Church, FlowerTyme, and Medford Congregational United Church of Christ. John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected]. By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Jul. 12, 2015 at 4:35 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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