- Peterson AFB

A day of prayer in song and silence ended with the arrest of four activists on Nagasaki Day, August 9, at Peterson Air Force Base. The base, at Colorado Springs, Colorado, is home to the U.S. Space Command as well as the command center for U.S. nuclear armed missiles.

About sixty Roman Catholic Sisters from seven states , including Benedictines, Franciscans, and Sisters of Charity, Mercy and Loretto, were joined by about fifty men and women of various denominations to commemorate the 57th anniversary of the second atomic bombing of Japan. After celebrating a Mass for Peace with coadjutor Bishop Michael Sheridan and local peace activists, the Sisters religious and others gathered in a field about a mile and a half from Peterson Air Force Base.

From there a prayerful "pilgrimage" proceeded to the base. The silent walkers carried colorful banners sent by Sisters from around the country who were unable to be present. At Peterson, all assembled in a grassy area out-side the gate for an hour of song, silent prayer, and shared reflections. The vigil culminated with the arrests of Sisters Dorothy Schlaeger OSF, Barbara Huber S.C., Mennonite Esther Kisamore, and Dennis Apuan of the First Congregational Church. The four had walked onto the base in a symbolic gesture to reclaim it for peaceful purposes.

The four were cited and released, and will be arraigned September 5. For more information, contact Citizens for Peace in Space, POB 915, Colorado Springs, CO 80901, (719)389-0644.