9:34 AM: We’re at the Pier 1 property in the 2100 block of Harbor Avenue SW, where, as previewed again last night, West Seattle Indivisible is organizing a “human banner” this morning in honor of International Day of Peace. As of our arrival about 10 minutes ago, more than 300 people are here. … and Dave Gershgorn‘s photo for WSB shows they’re already spelling out PEACE (though the speaking program hasn’t begun yet):
10:00 AM: Lots of chanting – “say it loud, say it clear, peace and justice, now and here” – while official speakers are awaited.
10:54 AM: The event has just concluded after about 45 minutes of speeches, including Mayor Bruce Harrell quoting Mother Teresa, Gandhi, and Danny Glover among others. (video added)
Volunteers at the main gate estimate a final count around 450 participants.
12:12 PM: Adding video, starting with Malou Chávez of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, saying that this isn’t a time of “crisis” – because “in a crisis, you can see the end” – but rather, a time of chaos:
Rev. Andrew Conley-Holcom of Admiral Church preached a bit, presided over a moment of silence, and gave a closing blessing. Here’s part of what he said:
Toward the conclusion of the event, bagpipers played “Amazing Grace“:
Earlier, for a global perspective, Irene Danysh spoke, identifying herself as the daughter of Ukrainian refugees, a recent Ukraine resident, but talking about Gaza more than Ukraine:
Hamdi Mohamed, the Seattle Port Commissioner and city Office of Immigrants and Refugees director who came to the U.S. at age three as a refugee, emceed – here’s how she began:
WSI’s leaders, including this event’s organizer Laurie Reinhardt, had stressed in the early going, “We’re sending a message today.”
The International Day of Peace, Mohamed noted, has been an annual observance on September 21st since 1981.
As part of the event, Rotary is present with their “Outdoors for All” program by the Warwe Yaxi dock. Three-wheeled pedal cars are available for those physically challenged.
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