October 1, 2017 (Vancouver, BC)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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October 1, 2017 (Vancouver, BC) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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Wreath Ceremony To Recognize Overlooked Victims of War
Sat. Nov. 11, 2017, 2:30pm
Seaforth Peace Park (1st & Burrard), Vancouver BC
The city-sanctioned wreath laying ceremony is jointly hosted by Vancouver Peace Poppies and the BC Humanist Association. Wreaths of red and white poppies made by local students will highlight the huge growth in civilian casualties. 90% of contemporary conflict victims are non-combatants.
Following
music and a brief presentation, ten
'Universal
Wreaths' will be laid to recognize often overlooked victim groups,
including •
Refugees, •
Women, •
Medical & Aid Workers,
•
Children, •
Conscientious Objectors, •
Civilian & Military PTSD Sufferers, •
Child Soldiers.A special wreath commemorating children killed,
injured or orphaned by war is being made by local elementary school
students.
Following
this, community groups will lay wreaths to remember victims of
particular conflicts.
This ceremony expands the focus of Remembrance Day by recognizing that both modern warfare and Canadian society are changing. By highlighting war’s devastating effect on civilians and the environment, we challenge governments to count all the costs before seeking military solutions to complex human problems. By reflecting the diversity of Canadian perspectives on war and remembrance, we can ensure that Remembrance Day is an inclusive and relevant occasion for all Vancouverites.
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Media contacts:
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Teresa Gagné, Spokesperson Vancouver Peace Poppies
info@PeacePoppies.ca
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Ian Bushfield, Executive Director BC Humanist Association 604.265.9298 |
More photos, video highlights, and additional information at www.PeacePoppies.ca/
About the Groups Hosting the Event:
Vancouver Peace Poppies was founded in 2007 to promote the wearing of white poppies to commemorate all victims of war, and to recognize war's devastating environmental consequences.
The BC Humanist Association provides a community and voice for the Humanists, atheists, agnostics and non-religious of Metro Vancouver and British Columbia. It supports the growth of Humanist communities and campaigns for progressive and secular values.
For Interviews:
A native Vancouverite, Teresa Gagné has been demonstrating for peace and social justice since the Vietnam war. She is available for phone or studio interviews on issues surrounding the white poppy, civilian victims of war, peace education, and the benefits of broadening and refocusing Remembrance Day activities in Canada
Peace Poppies co-founder Denis Laplante, a fluent Francophone, is also available for interviews.
Media Resources:
Vancouver Peace Poppies has a large library of photos and other graphics suitable for accompanying any article. Images include red and white poppy wreaths created by local schoolkids, photos from last year's Nov. 11 ceremony, plus many images of white and mixed poppies in various formats and backgrounds. For detailed views of the handcrafted Universal Wreaths see: Google Photos album from November 11, 2017