Peace Walk: Take steps for a ‘safe future’ on Wednesday

The event begins at Daubenspeck Park, Highway 14 and Willow Street in Bingen, at 9 a.m., with a blessing. At 9:30 a.m., walkers will begin making their way to Hood River.

Lunch is planned for noon at the Hood River Waterfront in the picnic shelter — bring food and table settings.

Then, at 1 p.m., walkers will take to the Waterfront path, with a 2 p.m. stop at the Hood River Japanese Garden, located at OSU Extension, 2990 Experiment Station Drive. At 5:30 p.m., walkers will gather at the Hood River Library in the downstairs meeting room for a potluck and a program; participants are asked to bring salads or side dishes. At 8 p.m., the group will disperse to host homes for the rest of the evening.

Walkers and/or participants are encouraged to come to all, or any, of the events listed above.

“Victims of war and nuclear development can be found around the world, including the Marshall Islanders subjected to nuclear testing who have a large community in Salem, Ore.,” reads a press release.

“Joining with communities along the way with mindful walks of three to five miles, the marchers hold a chant and prayer flags for a nuclear free future with respect for all life: ‘We have a duty to pass our next generation a safe, clean, peaceful future. We are one irrespective of nationality, race, gender or age. We can strive to live peacefully and to love one another.’”

The walk is sponsored by the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order, the Interfaith Council of Bainbridge Island & Kitsap, Veterans for Peace, Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action for Peace, Catholic Workers of Tacoma, Indian Peoples Organization for Change and Footprints for Peace.

For more information, contact Tom Hons at 541-386-5771.