Mark Rylance to perform at Conscientious Objectors' Day + video

Actor Sir Mark Rylance, acclaimed in many roles from Thomas Cromwell in Wolf Hall to Roald Dahl's BFG, will be speaking at the annual Conscientious Objectors' Day ceremony held in Tavistock Square, London WC1 at 12 noon tomorrow, Monday 15 May

Mark Rylance has gone on record as a supporter of the right not to contribute to military taxes on grounds of conscience, saying: "I believe that no society should force any of its citizens into a state of bad conscience. Surely conscience is the most precious and necessary characteristic of any citizen in a healthy democracy. To force a citizen into a state of bad conscience is to breed illness and corruption in society."

He will introduce and read from the play Not about Heroes - which features the First World War experience of Siegfried Sassoon. 2017 is the centenary of US entry into the First World War. It is also 50 years since the US became more deeply entrenched in its disastrous war in Vietnam. Nick Jeffrey, who resisted the US draft, will also be speaking at the ceremony.

The names of conscientious objectors representing all countries and all times in history will be read out, as flowers are laid at the CO memorial in the square, and a minute's silence will be observed. Sue Gilmurray will lead the music with Raised Voices choir.

Every year since 1982 15th May has marked International Conscientious Objectors' Day - to commemorate those who have resisted and
those who continue to resist war, especially by refusing military service.

The national commemoration in London is organised by the First World War Peace Forum - a coalition of 12 national peace organisations.
For more information contact: 020 3515 9132 campaign@conscienceonline.org.uk

Watch Mark Rylance here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uqJvUDzt7c