Dear Friends,
Some Sundays are different from the others. On Sunday, 8/6/1945, Americans received word that our nation had just dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.
Join our vigil to express concerns, fears, and the need to focus renewed attention by the U.S. on renewing our commitment to peace and abolition of nuclear weapons.
Why now? Polling shows two-thirds of Americans fear the use of nuclear weapons which surely would result in catastrophic death and destruction and the almost certain likelihood of propelling the planet into World War III. Yet, while such fears grow globally there is no progress in the United States to renew the 20th-century nuclear disarmament treaties now lapsing.
Russia and the United States have, by far, the largest stockpiles of the world’s nuclear weapons. The location of key US stockpiles is now known to the Russians. And the echo of their saber-rattling is increasingly heard. Beyond Russia other threats loom, North Korea has fired warning shots with intercontinental ballistic missiles that could carry nuclear weapons to the U.S. China patrols the seas around Taiwan and is rapidly expanding its nuclear capability. Nuclear-armed India and Pakistan have engaged in continual warfare because of disputes over Kashmir. If Iran develops a nuclear weapon, it could trigger a dangerous conflict with Israel that could escalate to the nuclear level.
Please take an hour and join us on Sunday, 8/6/23 at 2:00 p.m. at the Annapolis City Dock- Susan Campbell Park area– to begin a vigil for peace and to consider ways we can work together to ensure that nuclear weapons are never again used.
The vigil is sponsored by Annapolis Friends (Quaker) Meeting, Anne Arundel Peace Action and other area congregations. AFM will bring pop-up tents, ice water, folding chairs, some signs, and fliers to hand out.All are welcome. For questions and information about ride-sharing from the Annapolis Friends Meeting House contact us at social-concerns@
*Photo of Hiroshima after the atomic bomb. (Courtesy of National Archives)