Peaceworks

05/26/2026

More than three dozen of us turned out for the Vets for Peace Memorial Day gathering. So as not to miss either the daily peace vigil or the potluck, we moved the vigil to Stephens Lake Park. The picture here includes some of those who joined in the vigil.

05/24/2026

The Missourian published an opinion piece Peaceworks Director Mark Haim wrote regarding the Iran war. We encourage readers to read and share. Feedback is also most welcome.

The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran is not defensive; we were not invaded or attacked.

05/23/2026

Join us Monday!

05/23/2026

Our allies in Vets for Peace have shared this message. Link for local gathering is in the comments:

Remembering All Victims of War

Memorial Day is meant to be a solemn occasion for honoring the memory of American service members who have died fighting in U.S. wars. While the government and mainstream media typically use Memorial Day to glorify war, for us it takes on a different meaning. As veterans of U.S. wars, we too remember and mourn our "fallen," but reject the pro-war undertones of the holiday, understanding that so many young lives have been sacrificed unwillingly in wars that should never have happened. And we take care to remember all lives lost in needless wars.

On this Memorial Day, as we pause to remember American service members who have died during the nation's wars, let us also remember the astounding number of civilians who have perished in war. Since WWI, there have been far more civilian deaths in each conflict than military deaths – the ratio worsens by each conflict with each succeeding year – and the number of civilian wounded is many times greater than those killed outright.�

As we remember the soldiers, sailors, military who have died in this nation's wars, we must reflect on the broken lives and communities that endure – here in this country, on this land, and abroad – paying the true costs of war.

For most Americans, Memorial Day is a three-day, red-white-and-blue holiday marking the beginning of summer – a weekend of travel, barbecues, and endless sales. It's as if we Americans understand that the main freedom paid for with the blood of U.S. military members is our freedom to consume.

"Have a good Memorial Day" people will say, as if it is possible to have a good day when one is commemorating the war dead.

For Veterans For Peace, Memorial Day is an occasion for remembering all victims of war. It is a day to re-dedicate ourselves to the cause of peace – at home, and abroad – and to remind through our solemn ceremonies and displays that peace is possible if we really want it.

(Photo is from VFP NYC)

05/19/2026

STOP the War NOW!!

A few thoughts regarding the U.S.-Israeli War on Iran.

As we write, we are two and a half months into a war of choice; a war our government told us would be won in a week or two. The U.S.-Israe...

05/15/2026

Peace-loving friends, please join us and the Veterans for Peace in an appropriate observance of Memorial Day, an event that honors the memory of those lost to war. This is a challenging time and one that makes peace advocacy all the more needed Please click for event details.

https://www.facebook.com/events/970629119052138

05/02/2026

Peaceworks organized May Day gathering, one of three such demonstrations held here in CoMo.

05/01/2026

May Day is a fine time to imagine the world we could have, and to work to co-create it.

Tomorrow is May Day, a time to be vocal and visible, and there are several opportunities to do so here in CoMo.

We, in Peaceworks, are continuing our Together We Stand awareness campaign, including mass leafleting and on-line messaging.

We have also added an in-person rally that will be held at the City Hall Keyhole from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.

We also are supporting Jobs with Justice's May Day event, gathering at noon at Speakers Circle on the MU Campus, followed by a 1 p.m. march to a potluck in Peace Park, also on the MU campus.

We also are supporting Columbia Indivisible”s sign holding event slated for 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the City Hall Keyhole.

We encourage everyone who can to attend any or all of these events.