Photo by Glen Milner
Approximately thirty nuclear disarmament activists took part in a spirited rally at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor on Saturday, May 11th in the spirit of the original anti-war message of Mother’s Day, which calls for the abolition of war and militarism (and of course nuclear weapons).
The Ground Zero Center activists were accompanied by the Seattle Peace Chorus. Also participating was Chicago-based peacemaker Kathy Kelly of Voices for Creative Nonviolence, whose keynote address at Ground Zero Center was titled: “Deploying Love in a Permanent Warfare State.” Earlier in the day, Tacoma-based attorney Blake Kremer briefed the activists on their legal rights while undertaking nonviolent actions.
During the afternoon action at the base, activists blocked the entrance to Trident Gate (Main Gate) while holding up banners that read: “Disarm Trident, Deploy Peace” and “Congress Wants $1 Trillion for Nuclear Weapons. What Will Be Left for Our Children?” Supporters stood alongside the road holding signs reading: “Abolish Nuclear Weapons” and “Our Children Deserve Better.”
Eight activists were removed from the roadway by Washington State Patrol officers and cited. They were: Brenda McMillan of Port Townsend; Kathleen Kelly of Chicago, IL; Kit Kittredge of Quilcene; Doug Milholland of Port Townsend; Mona Lee of Seattle; Ramon Nacanaynay of Shoreline; Larry Kerschner of Centralia; and James Manista of Olympia.
Arrested by Naval Security and cited for crossing the federal (blue) line: Bob Delastrada of Olympia.