Saint Patrick's Peace Parade - South Boston - THIS SUNDAY

"St. Patrick’s Peace Parade, March 18, BOSTON – PEOPLE OF FAITH, be a part of it!

Second Annual Saint Patrick’s Peace Parade: the Alternative Peoples Parade for Peace, Equality, Jobs, Social and Economic Justice will be on Sunday, March 18, 2012, starting at 2 p.m. in South Boston.

This year, once again, the Allied War Veterans Council denied the Veterans For Peace (VFP) request to join in the “official” Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in South Boston. Last year, the Allied War Veterans Council’s reason for denying the Veterans For Peace request was that they “did not want the word ‘peace’ associated with the word ‘veteran’”. In just three weeks time in 2011, VFP pulled their own permit and had the first Saint Patrick’s Peace Parade, which had 500 participants; it was a huge success, garnering front page coverage and editorial articles in all of the major newspapers as well as numerous radio and television reports. The parade included various local peace groups, a marching band, labor groups, and a modest contingent of religious groups and congregations. Perhaps most poignant, the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) organization “Join the Impact” joined in the peace parade; VFP invited them specifically knowing that 17 years ago, GLBT groups were also denied the chance to march in the “official” parade by the Allied War Veterans Council. In fact, GLBT groups were the first ones that VFP reached out to and invited. (In spite of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, the Council still does not allow GLBT groups to march in its “official” parade. This year, Join the Impact requested to join the “official” parade and was also denied.)

As we approach eleven years of US war in Afghanistan and as the threat of conflict with Iran looms, a march for peace is timely—as is a march for equality, jobs, and justice! This year, Saint Patrick’s Peace Parade organizers anticipate 2,000 people marching, including multiple marching bands; peace groups; social justice organizations; a labor contingent; an “Occupy Everywhere” contingent. Organizers hope that there will be floats. And most of all, we hope that this year there will be a large religious contingent! As last year, we will step off a mile behind the “official” parade. Though our official start time is 2 p.m., it is likely that we will step off closer to 2:30 p.m. The parade route is just short of 3 miles; last year it took about 1 ½ or 2 hours to march. There will be a Duck Boat and trolley available for those unable to walk the distance of the parade. We will start at the Broadway MBTA station and end at the Andrew MBTA station.

All we need is for you to join in standing on the side of love. Please join me if you are able! If you would like to join me, or if you have any questions, please let me know (cell 508-615-1686 or minister@uuandover.org). It should be a fun day. On St. Patrick’s Day, we’re all Irish! Facebook event page link: https://www.facebook.com/events/242916262450591/

In faith and peace,
(Rev.) Lara Hoke"