A mixed, attentive crowd included a lively busload from the Comox Valley, Hornby and environs, who held their signs along the nearby highway before joining the rally. We were blessed with mostly fair weather. Our rally began with City Councillor Diane Brennan's rousing "No" to war on Iraq, some Phil Ochs songs from Jack Stevenson which apply just as much today as 40 years ago.

Three youth participants emphasised their commitment to peaceful ways of living and distaste for the cruelties already perpetrated against the people of Iraq.

Two young women sang of peace, interspersed with stark commentaries on media corruption, the use of depleted uranium, and a reading of the US Veterans' statement opposing this war.. Eva Manly's poem on DU will be posted on our website, unitedforpeacenanaimo.org, as will Ross MacKay's scathing indictment of our media's pro-war bias. Drummers began and ended the program.

We had full co-operation from Nanaimo City Parks & Recreation Department, who have a policy of free use of this lovely downtown space. A United for Peace & Justice Central Vancouver Island tent supplied informational leaflets, and our new petition.

We are happy to respond to enquiries and share what we have learned. Please email by clicking on name below.

Feb 16, 2003.
Marjorie Stewart.

Program: Peace Rally Sat. Feb. 15, 2003 1pm to .....

12:30: Gather along old highway with signs and banners!

Orientation for Marshalls at UPJ tent near sidewalk to band shell

12:45 to 1pm Drumming

Our program will begin with a brief welcome from Marjorie including the agenda for the afternoon, introduction of information tent, signup for ad, and petitions. It will then flow without further announcements till closing, alternating between spoken word and music (focus will be participatory singing led by youth) as follows:

Opening welcome song from elder Ellen White (to be confirmed) Diane Brennan

Music by Rose McNeil, Nichole O'brien, (Dover Bay) accompanied by Jack Stevenson who will also sing 2 Phil Ochs songs; order to be decided by musicians.

Amy Hollings: 5 minutes

Music

Randyn Seibold: 5 minutes "War is not the Answer - Love and Peace are"

Music

Hilary Masson: 5 minutes "Impact of Sanctions on Iraq"

Music

Ross MacKay: 2 minute info, "On Media"

Music

Lynn Wytenbroek: 2 minutes, "Letter from US Vets"

Music

Eva Manly: 2 minutes, "DU/Depleted Uranium"

Music

Jane Barnum: 2 minute PSA "No War! Shoot for Peace"

Music

Closing: Alice Walker chant led by Rose McNeil, Nichole O'brien

Closing Remarks including statements of support: Marjorie Stewart