Peace and friendship will be the goal of two groups gathering on both sides of the Canada/U.S. border, this Mother’s Day.
The 41st Annual Mothers’ Day Walk for Peace will take place May 12, on the lawns of the U.S./Canada border crossing of Highway 97 between Oroville and Osoyoos.
The event has continued since 1983 when American peace activists met with Canadians to receive a mock-up of a cruise missile representing opposition to testing of the devices at Cold Lake Alberta. Afterward, the Americans took the ‘cruise missile’ to the gates of the Boeing Works in Seattle where they staged a lively public protest against the arms industry.
The walk will begin on foot on the Canadian side from Haynes Point Provincial Park at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 12, and from the Oroville Library at noon.
Those unable to join can go to the border and greet the walkers from both directions.
Cawston organizer Dave Cursons said advance arrangements are made with both U.S. and Canadian authorities, with parking and border guards on the Canadian side directing traffic to the meeting place.
“There are presently armed conflicts everywhere on the globe, affecting ordinary people of different nationalities, ethnicities, religions, and races,” said Cursons.
The Mothers Day Walk For Peace is in support of those who are everywhere affected by the tragedy of war, he said.
The celebration in song, dance, and conversation happens from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
READ MORE: Annual ‘Walk For Peace’ coming to U.S.-Canada border crossing