Press release from Reject Raytheon AVL
Local citizen’s coalition Reject Raytheon AVL is sponsoring an event for world peace this Saturday, July 8, 6-7:00 p.m. at Pack Square. The event is part of a globally live-streamed event called 24-Hour Peace Wave.
The international event is sponsored by the International Peace Bureau and World Beyond War and features live peace actions in the streets and squares of the world, moving around the globe with the sun. Its motto is “No to Militarization, Yes to Cooperation.”
In Asheville, the demonstration will specifically call for the U.S. to stop funding war.
The 15-minute live-streamed portion of the demonstration will feature members from the local women’s chorus Womansong who will lead songs for peace and justice in the world.
The local event is sponsored by Reject Raytheon AVL which has focused for over two years on raising public awareness about the local Pratt & Whitney plant and its connection to the U.S. military-industrial complex, which promotes and profits from war. Pratt & Whitney is a division of Raytheon Technologies, now called RTX, the second largest arms corporation in the world.
Ken Jones, an organizer of the demonstration, said: “We are at a crossroads for humanity right now. Either we put an end to war, or war will put an end to us. The U.S. needs to stop funding war, especially the proxy war with Russia in Ukraine. We need to stop threatening China. And we have to lead the way in abolishing nuclear weapons. We need de-escalation, disarmament, and peace, now more than ever.”
Melody Shank, co-organizer and member of Womansong said: “Our chorus has been singing for joy, inspiration, empowerment and social justice for over 35 years. We understand that for people to feel empowered they must have basic needs, they must feel that leaders of their countries care about their well-being, and they must not live in fear of violence at home or of wars perpetuated abroad. We are singing at the event to stand for peace, to live our lives for peace. As one of our songs states, “We are ready for peace, we are ready to forgive, we are ready for truth. Equality and justice for all who live. . . . With great love, everything is possible.”
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