Conscientious Objectors Day

Michael Mears by the Memorial Stone

Conscientious Objectors Day was marked across the UK on Monday, with vigils, services and prayers.

In London, the National Conscientious Objectors Day service was held at the memorial stone in Tavistock Square. The ceremony, hosted by actor Michael Mears, remembered all those who have maintained the right to refuse to kill, throughout history and today. We heard from Semih Sapmaz, War Resistors International, and Ali Roman, feminist historian.

Songs by Sue Gilmurray and Holly Near were sung by Raised Voices Choir.

The names of 85 Conscientious Objectors, past and present from around the world, were read out and white carnations were laid on the stone, before a time of silence to remember all COs.

The event was organised by Pax Christi, the National Justice and Peace Network, Anglican Pacifist Fellowship, The Fellowship of Reconciliation, Peace Pledge Union, and War Resisters' International Movement for the Abolition of War.

Events to mark CO Day also took place in Abingdon, Brighton, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Leicester, Leeds , Manchester, and elsewhere.

LINKS

Watch the London event here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-3JaBrImJw

For more information on CO Day read: www.ppu.org.uk/international-conscientious-objectors-day-may-15th#events

World Map of Conscientious Objectors: www.ppu.org.uk/international-conscientious-objectors-day-may-15th#map

The Men Who Said No: https://menwhosaidno.org/