International Conscientious Objectors Day will be marked with a peace vigil in Howard Palmer Gardens, Wokingham.
White flowers will be laid in memory of known and named conscientious objectors.
The vigil on Wednesday, May 15, 12.30pm-1.30pm, is organised by David Chapman of Wokingham who said: “We will remember those around the world, past and present, who resisted killing others and face(d) persecution and imprisonment and death as a consequence.
“There will be periods of silence interspersed with short readings of poetry and prose, including the recorded experiences of objectors themselves. It will follow closely the ceremony held in Tavistock Gardens, in London, every year.”
People of all faiths, and none, are invited to bring their own short readings or memories, including writings of relatives or friends who have resisted armed conflict in the past or present.
Mr Chapman added: “The practice of war and violence (domestic or between nation states) is a definition of insanity: repeating the same old behaviour and expecting a different outcome. The seeds of war and violence are always to be found in previous violent conflicts.”
Email Mr Chapman if you would like to contribute: [email protected]
