Grannies for Peace vigil at Washington Park, May 7, 2022, “For the Mothers and Children of Ukraine, and all who are suffering and dying. US help achieve a ceasefire, leading to peace!”

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Middle of the vigil on May 7, 2022. Photo by Maud Easter.

Fran and Mickie Holding the grannies’ banner. Photo by Harry Thornhill

Maud, Maggie, Dan, Karen, Elaine and Kate. May 7, 2022. Photo by Marcia Hopple

Pat, Anita, Karen and Rio, Photo by Victor Anderson, May 7, 2022

At the start of the vigil, creating symmetry, May 7, 2022, photo by Harry Thornhill

On a slightly cool Saturday afternoon, surrounded by lovely tulips, celebratory families, with lots of canine members, seeking respite from some of the worries of war, pandemic illness and economic challenges, Grannies for peace gathered to share a mother’s and grandmother’s day calling for a ceasefire of the war in Ukraine.

At our annual Mother’s Day weekend vigils at the Tulipfest, Grannies and our allies have stood for ending wars, racism. and corporate war profiteering that create suffering for mothers and children and the poorest people of the world.

Some years the vigils have been large, with many allies joining us. This year’s vigil was a small gem of a demonstration with many signs, banners, and roses to give out with our leaflets. About 20 people included our eldest Granny, Pat Beetle, really glad to join our vigil once again, in between eye surgery and the upcoming removal of stitches. She was accompanied by her daughter, Karen, Karen’s partner Victor and our official canine greeter, Rio.

Since our “official photographer”, Mabel Leon, was attending another event we had help from 4 backup photographers to document many aspects of our vigil. Hence the large number of photos from different vantage points and perspectives.

 

Later in the vigil with Dot leafleting, handing out roses and talking to young women. Photo by Harry Thornhill

Maud and Joan holding Wars Make Refugees banner. Photo by Harry Thornhill

Maud, Maggie, Dan, Karen, Elaine and Kate. May 7, 2022. Photo by Marcia Hopple

Mickie talking with Pat, Elaine talking with Dot and Kate. Photo by Harry Thornhill, May7, 2022

Maggie and Joan holding Wars Make Refugees banner. Photo by Marcia Hopple, May 7, 2022

Howie Hawkins petitioners visit the vigil to gather signatures.Maggie and Marcia hold “Wars Make Refugees” banner. Photo by Maud Easter, May 7, 2022

Karen and Rio, Mary Baker, Maud. Photo May 7, 2022 by Victor Anderson

Discussions on either end of the vigil with Tulipfest goers. Photo by Maud Easter, May 7, 2022

Fest goers taking photos, Victor and Fran holding Grannies banner, Photo by Harry Thornhill

Our colorful banner Support All Our Children with roses for leafleting. Photo by Maud Easter

A particular shout out to some of our allies, including the faithful VFP poet, and flag bearer [and often photographer in other situations], Dan Wilcox; Harry Thornhill, leafletter, transporter of our signs and banners, photographer, and constant team member, with Joan Thornhill: Victor Anderson, photographer and part of the vital support team for Pat Beetle;  and Mary Baker, a member of Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and other allied peace and justice groups.

Lastly to all of those who came up to talk with us, took leaflets, took many photos(and a few selfies), and asked questions, shared ideas and feelings and made us feel seen, heard and understood during the time that we stood together in Washington Park.

Leaflet for Grannies May 7, 2022 vigil at the Tulipfest