Veterans For Peace Chapter 46

Fifteenth Annual Hiroshima-Nagasaki Remembrance Day & Peace Lantern Ceremony
2019-08-03 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Lovers Point Cove, Ocean View Blvd, at 17th. St., Pacific Grove, CA, United States
The public is invited to gather to mark the 74th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan by the United States during World War II. This beautiful and moving tradition remembers and honors those who suffered the bombings in 1945 and reaffirms our commitment to a nuclear-free world so that such a tragedy is never repeated.
The event is organized each year by Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) and the Peace Coalition of Monterey County (PCMC) to observe the anniversary of the nuclear weapons detonated over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945, respectively. The event starts at 7 p.m. with lantern making and traditional Taiko drumming by Shinsho Mugen Daiko. At 7:45 p.m., poetry, readings, and personal accounts of the impact of the bombings will be presented by Dr. Chris Hasegawa, Elaine Gehrmann, and Joyce Vandevere. The lanterns will be launched at 8:15 p.m. to shakuhachi flute music performed by Jim Scott-Behrend

VFP at Farmers’ Market
2019-07-30 16:00 - 19:00, 2019-07-23 16:00 - 19:00
Chapter 46 has returned to this Historic Event,
Located on Alvarado Street between Del Monte and Pearl
Stop by our table for the latest information concerning veterans and their families

VFP at Farmers' Market
2019-07-16 16:00 - 19:00

Monthly Chapter Meeting
2019-07-12 14:30 - 17:00 | Monterey Peace & Justice Center, 1364 Fremont Blvd., Seaside, CA, 93955, United States
Getting ready for the Fourth Of July Parade Monterey, CA.

This coming Friday:
Friday, July 12, 2019 2:30pm-5:00pm
Veterans For Peace Chapter 46 Monterey meets the second Friday of the month at The Monterey Peace and Justice Center, 1364 Fremont Blvd. Seaside CA.
All veterans and their supporters are welcome – 2:30-3:30 social hour. Refreshments will be provided. Our chapter business meeting will begin at 3:30pm Contact Justin Loza Justin.loza@vfp46.com

Independence Day Parade
2019-07-04 10:00 - 13:00
Wednesday, July 4, 10:00am start, Independence Day Parade in the City of Monterey. Peace Coalition of Monterey County has been accepted for a place in the parade. All Peace Coalition member organizations are encouraged to come with their banners and their members and be a part of that unit. All of you who are passionate about peace in the world are welcome to march behind the banner of the Peace Coalition. Info: sramsdenscott@hotmail.com 373-6972.
July 4th. 2017 Downtown Monterey

THE LOBBY-USA PARTII
2019-04-02 18:00 - 20:30 | Monterey Peace & Justice Center, 1364 Fremont Blvd., Seaside, CA, 93955, United States
Screening 2: Episodes 3 and 4: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 6 PM
Runtime for each screening is 1h, 40m.
The Lobby – USA, (2018), is a four-episode undercover investigation into Israel’s covert influence in US politics. Produced by Al Jazeera’s investigative unit, the film was never aired by the network. Under intense pressure from the pro-Israel lobby, the film was censored and its release was blocked. The film became available after being leaked and posted on the internet by a third-party Palestine advocacy group.
The documentary follows British-born, pro-Palestinian activist James Anthony “Tony” Kleinfeld, who goes undercover as an intern to gain insight into the activities of pro-Israel advocacy groups in the Washington D.C. area.
In Parts 1 and 2, Tony charmed his way into the inner-circle of pro-Israel advocacy groups in D.C. There he discovered a network of organizations actively working to suppress the BDS, (boycott, divestment and sanctions), movement and disrupt the actions of U.S. Palestinian rights advocacy groups.
In Parts 3 and 4, Tony served as an intern for The Israel Project (TIP), a pro-Israel educational non-profit whose aim is to improve perceptions of Israel in both the U.S. and Israel. He observed TIP leaders candidly discussing TIP’s “astroturfing” (fake grassroots activism) campaigns and concerns over polls that show steadily declining support for Israel’s policies among U.S. politicians and the public at large.
Sponsored by the Monterey Peace and Justice Center, The Peace Coalition of Monterey County, Veterans For Peace – Chapter 46, and the Monterey County Branch of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the film belong solely to the producer and affiliates, and are not necessarily those of the Monterey Peace and Justice Center, The Peace Coalition of Monterey County, Veterans For Peace Chapter 46, nor the Monterey County Branch of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. Our aim is to listen to varied views and encourage critical thinking and dialog around peace and social justice issues.

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Causes

THE LOBBY- USA
2019-03-19 18:00 - 20:30 | Monterey Peace & Justice Center, 1364 Fremont Blvd., Seaside, CA, 93955, United States
A discussion follows both film screenings. Free admission.
Screening 1: Episodes 1 and 2: Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 6 PM
Screening 2: Episodes 3 and 4: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 6 PM
Runtime for each screening is 1h, 40m.
The Lobby – USA, (2018), is a four-episode undercover investigation into Israel’s covert influence in US politics. Produced by Al Jazeera’s investigative unit, the film was never aired by the network. Under intense pressure from the pro-Israel lobby, the film was censored and its release was blocked. The film became available after being leaked and posted on the internet by a third-party Palestine advocacy group.
The documentary follows British-born, pro-Palestinian activist James Anthony “Tony” Kleinfeld, who goes undercover as an intern to gain insight into the activities of pro-Israel advocacy groups in the Washington D.C. area.
In Parts 1 and 2, Tony charmed his way into the inner-circle of pro-Israel advocacy groups in D.C. There he discovered a network of organizations actively working to suppress the BDS, (boycott, divestment and sanctions), movement and disrupt the actions of U.S. Palestinian rights advocacy groups.
In Parts 3 and 4, Tony served as an intern for The Israel Project (TIP), a pro-Israel educational non-profit whose aim is to improve perceptions of Israel in both the U.S. and Israel. He observed TIP leaders candidly discussing TIP’s “astroturfing” (fake grassroots activism) campaigns and concerns over polls that show steadily declining support for Israel’s policies among U.S. politicians and the public at large.
Sponsored by the Monterey Peace and Justice Center, The Peace Coalition of Monterey County, Veterans For Peace – Chapter 46, and the Monterey County Branch of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the film belong solely to the producer and affiliates, and are not necessarily those of the Monterey Peace and Justice Center, The Peace Coalition of Monterey County, Veterans For Peace Chapter 46, nor the Monterey County Branch of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. Our aim is to listen to varied views and encourage critical thinking and dialog around peace and social justice issues.

Steering Committee Meets
2019-03-17 14:00 - 16:00 | Monterey Peace & Justice Center, 1364 Fremont Blvd., Seaside, CA, 93955, United States
Sunday, March 17 (third Sunday Jan/Mar/May/July/Sept/Nov.) 2:00 – 4:00 pm, Peace Coalition of Monterey County (PCMC) Steering Committee meets at the Monterey Peace and Justice Center, 1364 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. Members of the public who have ideas or suggestions for the Peace Coalition are welcome to come to the first part of the meeting to make their presentations. Proposals for the Peace Coalition may also be made through the representative of any of the member organizations. organizations. Groups who want to join the Coalition should contact one of the co-chairs and fill out an application before the meeting: Sidney Ramsden Scott sramsdenscott@hotmail.com 373-6972 or Maureen Brinkerhoff mbbrinkerhoff@gmail.com.  www.peacemonterey.org

Hands Off Venezuela
2019-03-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Window On The Bay/Waterfront Park, Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Saturday, March 16, 10:00 – 12:00 pm, The people of the United States are standing up to the Trump administration’s war on Venezuela. On March 16, there will be a National March on the White House demanding ‘U.S. Hands Off Venezuela. Locally we must also continue to raise awareness on the situation in Venezuela. Join Veterans For Peace Chapter 46 at Window on the Bay in Monterey across from el Estero park and lets show the world were watching.
Co-sponsored by Monterey Peace and Justice Center; Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), Monterey County Branch, Peace Coalition of Monterey County

NO MILITARY OPTION.
NO SANCTIONS.
FOCUS ALL EFFORTS ON PEACE MAKING.

Information; https://vfp46.com,
Contact; Mike Dempsey-miked@vfp46.com
831-536-4940

For information on the Washington Event:
answercoalition.org
Saturday, March 16, 12pm
White House, Washington, D.C.

No War On Venezuela
2019-02-23 16:00 - 18:00 | Window On The Bay/Waterfront Park, Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
A Message from VFP President Gerry Condon
Call for VFP Chapters to Organize February 23 Protests Against the U.S. Coup in Venezuela
Dear VFP Members and Friends,
The U.S.-orchestrated coup in Venezuela presents a great threat to the people of Venezuela and to all of Latin America, which apparently is still considered to be “our backyard” by the dinosaurs of U.S. imperialism. The possibility of direct military intervention leading to a long and bloody war is “on the table.”
Even as President Trump makes halting efforts to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan and Syria, his administration is doubling down on U.S. intervention in this hemisphere. National Security Adviser John Bolton is also promising to step up U.S. attacks against the progressive governments and people of Cuba and Nicaragua.
The Veterans For Peace statement calling for resistance to U.S. intervention in Venezuela, unanimously agreed upon by the VFP Board of Directors at our recent meeting in Tijuana, Mexico, continues to be welcomed and widely circulated (over 1.5 K “shares” on Facebook).
Veterans For Peace has also endorsed several upcoming mobilizations against the unfolding coup in Venezuela. Most important, because they are coming up soon, are internationally coordinated local actions on February 23.
Check out the website for the No War on Venezuela actions. Veterans For Peace is already an endorser, but VFP Chapters may also sign on, as can individuals.
In less than a week the call for No War on Venezuela actions on Februrary 23 has garnered remarkable support, coming from virtually the entire peace movement in the U.S. and internationally (the Call has been translated into eight languages!).
I encourage all VFP chapters and members to participate in local actions that are already being organized for Saturday, Febuary 23, or to initiate and anchor protests and/or educational events in your communities. Call on your friends and allied organizations to join you. Unity, creativity and flexibility should be our watch words. It could be any type of event, such as a visit to your Congressperson’s office on Friday, February 22, a vigil downtown on Saturday, February 23, or an educational forum on Sunday, February 24.
You can find helpful resources on the website, including a ready made half-page flyer, where you can add your local information. Of course, feel free to produce your own flyer with your own message. The voice of veterans must be heard.
The U.S. regime change operation in Venezuela also presents an opportunity for the U.S. peace movement to step up our game. This includes Veterans For Peace, of course. The VFP Board of Directors is already discussing the possibility of having regular coordinated actions, monthly or quarterly, where all VFP chapters can act together. On February 23 we can begin to exercise our collective muscle while making a real contribution to the peace movement.
How many other organizations have chapters in so many cities? And internationally too. I believe the answer is none. When Veterans For Peace chapters step up together, we will make a real difference.
All out for February 23!
Hands Off Venezuela!
Gerry Condon
___________________________
Gerry Condon
President, Board of Directors
VETERANS FOR PEACE
https://www.veteransforpeace.org/pressroom/news/2019/02/08/call-vfp-chapters-organize-february-23-protests

Memorial Service for Harry Meserve
2019-02-17 14:00 - 16:00 | Veteran’s Memoral Building Santa Cruz CA., 846 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95061, United States
Obituary of Harry Meserve
Harry C. Meserve of Capitola, CA passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends of complications related to Renal Cell Carcinoma. He was born September 16, 1942 in Waltham, MA to Harry C. Meserve, Jr. and Louise (Bloomfield) Dunmire. He grew up in Buffalo, NY and San Francisco, CA and attended Roosevelt Jr. High, and later the Cambridge School of Weston, MA.
Harry joined the U.S. Marine Corps in June 1960 and was honorably discharged in June, 1966 with the rank of Corporal. He was stationed in Lejeune, North Carolina and London, England. On return to civilian life, he earned a B.A. in History at UCLA, and later, a degree of Candidate in Philosophy in History in 1975.
Following this, he was a dispatcher for Southern Pacific Railroad for almost 20 years; he then worked in the public library system in Watsonville, CA and taught History at Cabrillo College. After obtaining an M.S. in Library Science at San Jose State University, he joined the library staff there and retired as Associate Librarian Emeritus in 2010. Harry was very active politically throughout the 1970s in the anti-war movement and joined several Socialist organizations including the Socialist Workers Party. He also worked extensively with Veterans For Peace during these years, well into his retirement including driving a relief caravan with VFP to Nicaragua in in 1988. He was an outspoken advocate for peaceful solutions and worked on many levels to promote peace locally and globally. Most recently, he participated in the Veterans For Peace Armistice Day Celebrations in downtown Santa Cruz and enjoyed the music and comradery very much. Harry led the planning committee for the Annual Vets Thanksgiving Day Dinner for more than 20 years as well as other philanthropic and volunteer efforts, including supporting the VFP Golden Rule Peace Boat Project. He had many passions including hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains, baseball (especially the Red Sox), trains, poetry and the sea.
Harry is survived by his daughter, Shane and her husband, Jon; his brothers Peter and David and their wives, Jan and Betsy, respectively; by his long-time friend Marilyn Sronce and her children, Kurt, Kara and her wife Nancy. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Emily Meserve Kinzie. He is also survived by seven nieces and nephews and their families as well as many close friends.
Arrangements are being handled by Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel. A celebration of Harry’s life is being planned for February 17, 2019 at the Veteran’s Memorial Building in Santa Cruz at 846 Front Street. Memorial donations may be made to the Veteran’s Thanksgiving dinner fund at P.O. Box 672, Santa Cruz, CA, 95061 or to Veterans For Peace. To express your condolences or to share a memory with Harry’s family, please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com.

VFP 46 Chapter Meeting
2019-02-08 14:00 - 16:30
The Chapter meets the second Friday of the month at The Monterey Peace & Justice Center, 1364 Fremont Blvd, Seaside, CA. Our social hour starts at 2:00pm, refreshments provided,The Chapter’s Business Meeting starts at 3:00pm, ends at 4:30pm Sharp.
All veterans and their supporters are welcome

Occupy Monterey Peninsula
2019-02-02 10:30 - 12:00
Saturday, February 2, 10:30 am, Occupy Monterey Peninsula: General Assembly. In front of Monterey’s city hall, Few Memorial Hall, on Pacific Street near Colton Hall. Occupy is now meeting only the first Saturday of the month. You are welcome to join the group. The General Assembly is a gathering of people from all walks of life who come together to discuss issues important to them and to make decisions that benefit everyone. All decisions on how to coordinate efforts are decided by the group. Group decisions versus individual decisions regarding the movement allow us to keep the movement leaderless and also allow a platform for everyone to speak.

Take Back Armistice Day
2018-11-11 11:00 - 14:00 | Colton Hall and Monterey Museum of Art, 570 and 559 Pacific St., Monterey, CA
Sunday, November 11, Armistice Day (aka Veterans Day), 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, CELEBRATE PEACE! Event sponsored by Veterans for Peace, Chapter 46, Monterey. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War at the 11th hour of the 11th day on the 11th Month of 1918. Veterans For Peace invites the public to stand up for peace this Armistice Day by gathering on the Colton Hall Lawn in Monterey for a service to honor the fallen of World War I. The service will be followed by a presentation in the Monterey Museum of Art. VFP members will provide escorts safely across the street and to the museum.
The multimedia presentation at the museum, “Art of the Great War”, will include readings of poems and excerpts from novels and histories presented by combat veterans with the local VFP Chapter 46. Music and refreshments will be provided. This is a free event.
Colton Hall: 570 Pacific Street, Monterey
Monterey Museum of Art: 559 Pacific Street, Monterey
PROGRAM:
11:00 am – Opening remarks followed by two minutes of silence
11:10 am – Reading of the names of the Monterey Fallen from World War I
12:00 pm – Presentation of “The Art of the Great War” Monterey Museum of Art
1:45 pm – Closing remarks
Background on Armistice Day: One hundred years ago the world celebrated peace as a universal principle. In 1918, the First World War had just ended. Nations that were collectively mourning their dead and comprehending the magnitude of the lives lost called for an end to all wars. Armistice Day was born and November 11th was designated as “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated.” The date marks the armistice signed between the warring coalitions of nations calling for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I. It took effect at eleven o’clock in the morning—the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” of 1918. After World War II in 1954, the U.S. Congress decided to rebrand November 11 as Veterans Day, effectively shifting the focus of the national holiday away from peace to war.
Veterans For Peace has taken the lead in upholding the original intention of November 11 — committed to the belief that a day that celebrates peace, not war, is the best way to honor the sacrifices of veterans. In 2008, an official Veterans For Peace resolution called for a national movement to Reclaim Armistice Day as a celebration and a rededication to the cause of world peace. Since then, VFP chapters across the country have been “Reclaiming Armistice Day”, pushing the celebration of peace into the national conversation on Veterans Day.
INFO: jackerickson@me.com justinloza@vfp56.com https://vfp46.com/

Veterans of the Year Dinner 2018
2018-11-10 18:00 - 21:00
Our soon to be President Emeritus Philip Butler along with other Veterans are being honored by The Monterey County Military & Veterans Affairs Office with a special dinner.
The following from the invitation letter;
Your achievements as a service member serving your country, and now as a veteran serving your community, have been exemplary. Your contribution clearly helped demonstrate to the citizens Monterey County that a veterans are a vital asset in and to our community.
I would add that Veterans are World Assets, and those devoted to Peace are extra special!!

Chapter Meeting And Social Hour
2018-11-09 14:00 - 16:30, 2018-10-12 14:00 - 16:30

Homeless Veterans Stand Down
2018-09-28 10:00 - 2018-09-30 12:00 | Monterey County Fair Grounds, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey, CA, United States
Stand Down Flyer Mission Statements
The Monterey Stand Down will give homeless veterans the opportunity to have a place of safety and rest where they can avail themselves to medical, legal, housing, job, education, and life skills support to gain a foothold on COMING HOME. The Monterey Stand Down will be inclusive of all homeless veterans, regardless of character of discharge, homeless veterans with dogs are welcome – veterinary services will be provided – and women homeless veterans will be safe. This is “Veterans serving Veterans” with a grateful community in support.
Dr. Thomas Griffin (USA – Retired)
Board Chairman – VTC of Monterey County
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The purpose of this event is to insure that as many homeless veterans in distress in the Central California coastal area have an opportunity to receive help and assistance during a special three (3) day event. This event is scheduled from noon to noon on 28 – 30 September 2018 and will be located at Monterey County Fairgrounds, Monterey, CA. Veterans are welcome at this event who feels they have needs to be met.
We are encouraging veterans to accept the benefits they deserve because of their past service to an appreciative society.
We are striving to offer a full range of veteran services for individuals and families. Services will range from health to legal issues. Veterans will also have an opportunity to review, update and possibly correct service records. Recreation in a clean, comfortable, and safe environment will be provided all male and female veterans and their pets.
John W. Tomkinson
Logistics Coordinator
USMC – Vietnam Veteran

POTLUCK PICNIC
2018-09-15 12:00 - 14:00 | George Washington Park, 700 Alder St., Pacific Grove, CA.
Saturday, September 15, Noon – 2:00 pm. POTLUCK PICNIC in CELEBRATION of INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY hosted by the Peace Coalition of Monterey County. Bring a potluck dish of your choice. All are welcome! This FREE event will feature live music by local talent.! George Washington Park, 700 Alder Steet, at Gibson Avenue (near the ball field), Pacific Grove. Info: 601-6633
The 2018 U.N. Peace Day Theme is “The Right to Peace – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70.” Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21st. The holiday was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace within and among all nations and peoples. In 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire, and a focus on peace education worldwide as the means for bringing about a culture of peace.
Read more at http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/background.shtml
For more information, contact Deborah Warcken (831) 601-6633 or email dwarcken@comcast.net

Celebration of International Day of Peace Day
2018-09-15 12:00 - 14:00 | George Washington Park, 700 Alder Street, Pacific Grove, CA.
Peace in the Park: Potluck Picnic in Celebration of International Day of Peace About the Event:

The community is invited to join the Peace Coalition of Monterey County in celebration of International Day of Peace, (which is officially September 21). Participants are asked to bring a potluck dish to share. The event will feature live music by local talent.
The 2018 U.N. Peace Day Theme is “The Right to Peace – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70.” Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21st. The holiday was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace within and among all nations and peoples. In 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire, and a focus on peace education worldwide as the means for bringing about a culture of peace.
Read more at http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/background.shtml
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/285977082232185/
Event flyer: https://tinyurl.com/PCMC-PotluckPicnic4Peace-flyer
For more information, contact Deborah Warcken (831) 601-6633 or email dwarcken@comcast.net
Sponsored by:
The Peace Coalition of Monterey County (PCMC): Founded in 1991 to “promote non-violent resolutions in world conflicts and policies that will create a more peaceful world.”
Email: Sidney Ramsden Scott (sramsdenscott@hotmail.com) and Deborah Warcken(dwarcken@comcast.net), PCMC Co-Chairs,
Website: http://peacemonterey.org/

Chapter Meeting
2018-09-14 14:00 - 16:30
Our Chapter Meeting
September 14 @ 2:00pm – 4:30pm

All veterans and their supporters are welcome
The Chapter meets the second Friday of the month at The Monterey Peace & Justice Center, 1364 Fremont Blvd, Seaside, CA. Our social hour starts at 2:00pm, refreshments provided,The Chapter’s Business Meeting starts at 3:00pm, ends at 4:30pm Sharp.

PEACEFUL PROTEST
2018-09-13 10:00 - 15:00 | Rancho Canada Golf Club, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley, CA, United States
Thursday, September 13, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, PEACEFUL PROTEST.
A convicted human rights criminal, Joe Arpaio, has been invited to speak at the Monterey Peninsula Republican Women Federated “Liberty Luncheon” at Rancho Canada Golf Club, 4860 Carmel Valley Road, in Carmel Valley. There will be a peaceful protest by those who object to hosting such a person in our neighborhood. Arpaio’s racism and abuse of powers is epic. He was prosecuted and convicted by Trump’s own Justice Department. His Sheriff’s Office didn’t properly investigate more than 400 alleged sex crimes, many of them involving child molestation. He “fostered horrendous jail conditions, reckless police operations, and carried out personal vendettas against political rivals and members of the press.” Arpaio violated the Constitutional rights of thousands of citizens and committed outright cruelty against undocumented workers. Also on the bill is gun rights advocate Charlie Kirk, “Trump’s Man on Campus” and founder of Turning Point, an astroturf rightwing student group, who believes white privilege is a “racist idea.”
The organizer, Siobhan Warwick Griffin Wolfe, can be contacted on Facebook.

Armistice Year Celebration
2018-09-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Town Clock, Downtown Santa Cruz, Ocean & Pacific Avenues, Santa Cruz, CA.
Armistice 100 SC Group will be remembering the signing of the Armistice to end WW1 at the Town Clock at 11 am until noon. There will be ceremonies, bell ringing, a few speeches addressing the implications for peace in our community today, and lots of excellent music.

G I Josie Film Festival
2018-08-11 14:00 - 18:00 | Irvine Auditorium ai MIIS, 499 Pierce St, McCone Building, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Gi Josie Film Festival Honors Women

Made possible by The Arts Council for Monterey County, G I Josie is proud to present Service: When Women Come Marching Home, a documentary about women veterans who face the challenges of Military Sexual Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Award-winning documentary filmmaker Dr. Marcia Rock and Co-Producer Patricia Lee Stotter of Service and Soldier’s Period will be joining us to present this film along with two smaller documentaries she produced.
Military Women and their real-life issues related to Military Sexual Trauma ( MST) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) will be featured at the public GI Josie Film Festival and panel discussion at the Irvine Auditorium at Middlebury Institute of International Studies beginning at 2pm on Saturday, Aug !!, 2018.
The event will honor women veterans with three documentary films – “Warriors Return”, “Soldiers Period” and “Service: When Women Come Marching Home.” Each explores an aspect of military service. “Warriors Return” interviews Navajo veterans who provided the Code for missions in WWII and those who served in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf
Award-winning documentary filmmaker, Dr. Marcia Rock, will present the Emmy-award winning film, “Service”, which is co-produced with Patricia Lee Stotter, along with her two smaller documentaries on veterans; issues. “Service” has been shown to members of Congress and the Veterans Administration, with support from Disabled American Veterans, as well as screened nationally over PBS and at film festivals. It highlights the emotional and physical traumas women veterans have suffered as a result of their service in the US Military and the challenges in transitioning to civilian life.
Following the documentaries will be a women veteran panel who will discuss the real-life issues related to MST and PTSD that plague our veterans with an invisible war that continues long after discharge. Please join us to honor our veterans by learning about the traumas they endure as a result of their service in our armed forces.
VFP national Board Member, Monisha Rios will be a panelist at this local event. Consider sharing the link or purchasing a ticket to support this event that exposes the true costs of war.
Proceeds from this event will be used to further therapy programs directly benefiting our local women veterans. Please join us to honor American women heroes by learning about the traumas they endure as a result of their service in the armed forces.
Tickets are available here:
a)Eventbrite, see attached link
b) www.gijosie.org (indicate Film Festival under ‘Other Notes’ on the Donation page)
Tickets will be available at Will Call.
Seating is limited. We hope to see you there.
Veteran Admission – $10
General Admission – $25
VIP Admission – $35
AT The Door:
Veteran Admission – $10
General Admission – $30
VIP Admission – $40
Please contact Executive Director, Laurabeth Messimer at 831-632-9029 or lb@gijosie.org with questions.
Thank you.

Chapter Meeting
2018-08-10 14:00 - 16:30 | Monterey Peace & Justice Center, 1364 Fremont Blvd., Seaside, CA, 93955, United States
All veterans and their supporters are welcome
The Chapter meets the second Friday of the month at The Monterey Peace & Justice Center, 1364 Fremont Blvd, Seaside, CA. Our social hour starts at 2:00pm, refreshments provided,The Chapter’s Business Meeting starts at 3:00pm, ends at 4:30pm Sharp.

Fourteenth Annual Hioshima-Nagasaki Remembrance Day
2018-08-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Lover’s Point Park And Beach, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
This beautiful and moving tradition honors those who suffered the atomic bombings in 1945. The ceremony reaffirms our commitment to a nuclear-free world so that such a tragedy is never repeated.
PROGRAM:
7:00 pm: Lantern making and performance of Monterey’s Taiko Drumming group, Shinsho-Mugen Daiko. (Lantern-making material provided.)
7:45 pm: Music, poetry, and messages of hope and peace. Chris Hasegawa, Joyce Vandevere, and others will speak.
8:15 pm: Launching of the peace lanterns on rafts. Tai-Chi Master Jim Scott-Behrends will play meditative strains of flute.
The Public is invited to this free event.

Killing Gaza
2018-07-21 15:00 - 17:00 | Monterey Peace & Justice Center, 1364 Fremont Blvd., Seaside, CA, 93955, United States
Documentary Film and Discussion

In August 2014, as a five-day ceasefire took hold in Israel’s 51-day war with Gaza, independent journalists Max Blumenthal and Dan Cohen captured rarely documented scenes as they traveled across miles and miles of rubble along Gaza’s destroyed border regions. The stories they gathered from survivors are the narrative basis of this documentary. The film also highlights Gazans’ acts of creative resistance through the arts, literature, and dancing, in their effort to maintain their humanity in the face of war and deprivation.
Runtime 1hr 37min. Released May 2018.
$5 donation suggested. No one turned away for lack of funds.
Cosponsored by Veterans For Peace, Chapter 46, and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Monterey County Branch.

Families Belong Together National Protest
2018-06-30 16:00 - 18:00 | Window On The Bay/Waterfront Park, Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Pick your location, and come out.
Families Belong Together National Protest (Monterey Bay)
Saturday, June 30 at 4 PM – 6 PM
Window On The Bay / Monterey Waterfront Park
Del Monte Ave, Monterey, California 93940Public
Hosted by Tara Wing
This special notice is being sent to get past the confusion about the time of the protest. On Moveon’s website it was listed as 10 am, but that has now been changed to 4 pm.
Also (from the Moveon site:
Watsonville – 2-4 pm at the Plaza, 1:30 sign-making, Co-sponsored by Pajaro Valley Rapid Response (PVRR), Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County (CAB)
Hosted by Paulina M

Santa Cruz City Hall, 809 Center Street, 10 am – march to Abbott Square, 118 Cooper Street
Hosted by Teresa D
Hollister Stands with Immigrant Families, 4th & San Benito Streets, Hollister, 10 am. Hosted by Monica Q
At the well-attended Poor People’s Campaign meeting, hosted by the NAACP on Saturday, a number of people expressed a desire to have a protest in Seaside as well. If a plan for a protest is being developed, please let me know so that I can spread the word!
jvandevere@comcast.net.
While President Trump says he is ending the policy of separating children from their parents at the border, “This order… proposes to end separating children from parents by incarcerating both together in detention facilities indefinitely. It continues the “zero tolerance policy” of locking up and charging all immigrants who cross into the US without going through a port of entry. It instructs the Defense Department to begin building detention camps to incarcerate immigrant families. Justice Department lawyers are expected to challenge a previous court ruling that established basic minimal humanitarian guarantees for immigrant children, meaning they want to be able to hold immigrant kids in detention in conditions that violate this standard.” from Curtis Johnson’s June 25 article in Truthout, The Momentum of Trumpian Fascism Is Building: Stopping It Is Up to Us.

The order also instructs federal agencies — especially the Defense Department — to begin to prepare facilities that could house the potentially thousands of families that will now be detained by the government. CNN Fort Ord?
The times listed in the Calendar are for the Window on the Bay.

INSIDE IRAN: The Real History and Politics of the Islamic Republic of Iran
2018-06-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Irvine Auditorium ai MIIS, 499 Pierce St, McCone Building, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Monday, June 11, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, (Doors open at 6:30 pm). An evening with Medea Benjamin: Inside Iran: The Real History and Politics of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Talk, Q&A, followed by book-signing and reception in the atrium. Books will be available for sale/signing at the event. The public is invited to this timely event hosted by Monterey Peace & Justice Center and presented at the MIIS Irvine Auditorium, 499 Pierce Street, Monterey with co-sponsorship from the Amnesty International MIIS Student Club, Veterans for Peace – Chapter 46, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Monterey County Branch, Peace Coalition of Monterey County.
A $5 – $20 donation is encouraged. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3444195 [7]
Medea Benjamin has traveled several times to Iran, and she makes use of her firsthand experiences with politicians, activists, and everyday citizens to provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of Iranian society and the role of Iran in the region. She tackles common misconceptions about Iran’s system of government, its religiosity, and Iranian citizens’ way of life. President Trump’s reckless move of withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal exacerbates conflicts in the Middle East, alienates us from our European allies and increases the possibilities of a catastrophic, senseless war with Iran. Her most recent book, Inside Iran, is part of a campaign to prevent a war with Iran and instead promote normal trade and diplomatic relations.
Medea Benjamin is one of Americas best-known and most effective 21st-century activists. Co-founder of CODEPINK and the fair trade advocacy group Global Exchange, she is the author of numerous books including Drone Warfare and Kingdom of the Unjust: Behind the U.S.Saudi Connection and has played an active role in the Green Party. A frequent contributor to Alternet, she has a Masters Degree in both public health and economics.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/apr/27/iran-nuclear-deal-survive-trump-wrecking-crew
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