Conscientious Objectors Day in London and Edinburgh

WW1 COs at Dyce Camp - image English Heritage

On Wednesday 15 May, International Conscientious Objectors Day, courageous men who refused to fight in the First World War and other conflicts will be remembered in the annual ceremony in Tavistock Square, WC1 from 1 - 2pm.

Co-hosted by the First World War Peace Forum and Movement for the Abolition of War, this year's speakers will be Professor Lois Bibbings, University of Bristol, Michael Lyons, former Navy medic and Afghanistan Conscientious Objector, and Jay Sutherland, organiser of the White Poppy Appeal Kilmarnock & convenor of Anti War Ayrshire. There will be songs led by Sue Gilmurray.

A minute's silence and flowers laid at the stone, as those gathered remember the COs of all countries and all times.

The ceremony takes about one hour. Bring your family and friends for a picnic afterwards. All are welcome.

In Edinburgh the annual Conscientious Objectors Day Vigil takes place on Wednesday, 15 May from 5 - 6pm. The event will be held outside Register House, by the Wellington Statue, East End of Princes St - (NOT at The Royal Scottish Academy, off Princes St as previously advertised.)

There will be songs by Protest in Harmony, reading of names of COs and brief talks by a few descendants of COs.

If you are a CO descendant or a CO yourself and would be willing to speak or if you would like to bring a poem to read or song to sing please contact coordinator@peaceandjustice.org.uk

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