War Resisters: "War is not inevitable and the cycle of violence is broken."

May 15th, 2024

The commemoration in Tavistock Square, Credit: Pat Gaffney

Source: Pax Christi England and Wales

Conscientious Objectors' Day on 15 May, was marked around the world with prayers, vigils and ceremonies. In London, more than 150 people gathered at the Conscientious Objectors' stone in Tavistock Square for the annual commemoration ceremony, and more joined online. The stone was unveiled on 15 May 1994 by Sir Michael Tippett, Peace Pledge Union President and a one-time conscientious objector (CO)and it reads: 'To all those who have established and are maintaining the right to refuse to kill'.

There was anti-war music, sung by the Raised Voices Choir, including 'The ones who said NO' by Sue Gilmurray and 'Who do they think they are' by Cynthia Cockburn. Peace was sung in different languages in the final song, which concluded with a call for 'Peace for Palestine'.

Speaker Semih Sapmaz of War Resisters International felt it is very important to support COs. Their action "reminds that war is not inevitable and the cycle of violence is broken." He commended Israeli COs trying to influence the Israeli public and the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement which has been threatened with closure.

The second speaker was Israeli conscientious objector Or, who was drawn into military service from the age of 18. She was imprisoned for her conscientious objection and lost connections and friendships because of it. "I didn't want to contribute to persecution of Palestinians," she said, adding that, "I work to support people who refuse service or leave service." She deplored the escalation of violence in Gaza and the West Bank since last October, saying, "we are witnessing horrible things being done in our name." Or stressed the "important role of people saying NO."

In the sunshine, single white carnations were laid on the stone as the names of COs from many different different countries were read out. Those named included St Maximilian of Tebesa - beheaded in the year 295 for refusing to serve in the military because of his Christian faith. He is a patron saint of Conscientious Objectors. Many of those names were people executed, others served prison terms, and many are in prison today. The reading of the names was followed by a minute's silence.

The event was organised by Peace Pledge Union, Fellowship of Reconciliation, Pax Christi, War Resisters' International, Movement for the Abolition of War and others. It was described at the end as an initiative promoting "a world of love and life."

Elsewhere, ceremonies were held in Edinburgh, Leicester, Manchester, Merseyside, Bradford and cities around the world.