Youth-Led Vigil this Sunday at Bangor Nuclear Weapons Base

Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action (in Poulsbo, Washington) welcomes all who come with nonviolent spirit to build a better world.  

This Sunday, April 14th, Ground Zero welcomes young people from St. Leo Church, Tacoma (and other young people who will join them) who will hold an afternoon vigil at the Bangor Trident submarine and nuclear weapons base in Silverdale, Washington. 

The Bangor Base, officially known as Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor and Strategic Weapons Facility, Pacific, is home to the largest operational concentration of nuclear weapons in the U.S. nuclear arsenal (and quite possibly the entire world).  The Trident submarines deployed from Bangor patrol the seas prepared (24 hours a day, seven days a week) to launch their missiles armed with thermonuclear warheads at the President's command.

This group of young people - junior high and high school students, and Jesuit Volunteers - has come together on its own to plan an event at the Bangor Trident submarine base in witness to the immorality of nuclear weapons and the continuing threat of use of these horrific weapons of mass destruction.  

Individuals from Ground Zero are volunteering (as Peacekeepers, etc.) to assist these young people.  Participants will gather at Ground Zero this Sunday (April 14th) by 1:00PM.  At approximately 1:15PM, after an opening circle, they will walk down to the Bangor sub base Main Gate where they will hold their vigil in witness against nuclear weapons.  The young people will lead those assembled in songs and prayers.  After the vigil they will walk back to Ground Zero for a closing circle and reflection.  Note: They are NOT planning any sort of action (i.e., risking arrest); this will be a vigil only event, and of course strictly in the spirit and practice of nonviolence).

They are holding this Sunday's vigil in global solidarity with "SCRAP TRIDENT: WEEKEND OF PROTEST AND ACTION" held by Faslane Peace Camp at the UK's Faslane Submarine Base in Scotland.  Faslane is the home port of the UK's nuclear ballistic missile submarine fleet that carries the same Trident II D-5 ballistic missiles (armed with thermonuclear warheads) that are deployed on US Trident submarines.

All are welcome (young and old and everyone in between) to join this youth-led vigil.  Bring your non-violent spirit and your walking shoes.  It is a short (approximately 10 minute) walk from Ground Zero to the Bangor Main Gate.  

Directions to Ground Zero at our Website.  For more information on Sunday's event please send an email to Eli Rodkey.  

Please join in supporting these young people in their commitment to nonviolence and a nuclear weapons free world.