London: International Conscientious Objectors Day

Bruce Kent, Sarah Vardy, Semih Sapmaz, Rev Gyoro Nagase of the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order from Battersea Park Peace Pagoda

Around 100 people gathered at the Commemorative Stone in Tavistock Square, on a rainy Sunday, for the annual International Conscientious Objectors Day vigil. Many other events were held in cities around the world, standing in solidarity with those who maintain the right to refuse to kill.

The speakers were: Sahar Vardi, an Israeli conscientious objector who served three prison sentences for refusing military service; Kika Markham, actor and daughter of Second World War CO David Markham and Semih Sapmaz, from War Resisters' International, on the struggles of COs around the world today. There was music by Sue Gilmurray and the Raised Voices choir.

The day was led by Michael Mears, actor and playwright. One of his recent plays is 'This Evil Thing' about Conscientious Objectors in the First World War. In his introduction he quoted a letter written by Bertrand Russell to the Manchester Guardian in 1917:

'There are no doubt many kinds of reasons which lead men to become conscientious objectors, but I am convinced that the chief reason, and the most valid, is precisely that sense of "the solidarity of mankind," of "our membership with one another," … 'The conscientious objector does not believe that violence can cure violence or that militarism can exorcise the spirit of militarism. He persists in feeling "solidarity" with those who are called "enemies," and he believes that if that feeling were more widespread among us it would do more than armies and navies can ever do to prevent the growth of aggressive Imperialism, not only among ourselves but also among potential enemies.'

Sahar Vardi said she was often introduced as someone who had been a 'Conscientious Objector' - in the past tense - but she said that was not true. "Conscientious Objection is not something you do once and just ARE that. It's a call for continuing action."

"We're not just talking about people needing to refuse and be conscientious objectors to actually take arms and fight, but also to support the entire system around it."

"Conscientious objection is saying "I will first be conscience to what is happening around me and object to being part of that mechanism of war." ... "Conscientious objection is an ongoing action."

After the speeches there was a reading of CO names and laying of flowers, followed by a minute's silence.

International Conscientious Objectors Day was first observed in 1982. The CO stone in Tavistock Square London was unveiled on 15 May 1994 by Michael Tippett.

The event is planned and promoted by more than 15 organisations worldwide.

For more information and to watch a video of the ceremony see: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv7uNwvPqkk and www.ppu.org.uk/international-conscientious-objectors-day-may-15th