CODEPINK co-founders Jodie Evans, Medea Benjamin and Gael Murphy, actress Mimi Kennedy, Colonel Ann Wright, Sweeta Noori with Women for Women International Afghanistan, Cynthia Benjamin a mother of an Iraq deployed soldier, Iraq War Veteran and mother Lindsey Campbell, Veteran and spoken word artist Lori Perdue, among many others took the mic to share their own experiences as peace organizers, former soldiers, and mothers and women living under occupation.
Jodi Evans of CodePink
Medea Benjamin of CodePink
Actress and Activist Mimi Kennedy
Lindsey Campbell Performing While Daughter Ruby Rose Watches
Attendees were encouraged to participate in learning circles with experts and facilitators on various issues including Gaza, Truth in Recruitment, Nuclear Disarmament, Economic Crisis, Women and War, Legislative Strategy and Being an Empowered Mama.
No Nukes Workshop
Maya Parker and a Friend Enjoy a PediCab for Peace
Festivities continued on into the night with more music, poetry, a film screening of Kathleen Foster's "Afghan Women: A History of Struggle", and a Pink Pajama Party in the park.
Sunday morning began with an Interfaith Ceremony lead by women of many ritual and religious traditions, which included singing, dancing and a silence for those loved ones lost at the hands of war. Dr. Patch Adams entertained the children and those young at heart.
Elisa Parker Interviewing a Mom With Her Family From Philadelphia
After 24 hours of continuous knitting, the quilt had reached over 100 feet long. In the closing ceremony hundreds of women, men and children singing "Peace Shalom Shalom" and chanting quotes like "We will march until our feet are pink" offered the quilt and a message of peace to President Obama in front of the White House along with thousands of roses. Onlookers, some from as far away as Korea, were there to visit the White House, found themselves eagerly joining in by distributing roses, singing, taking photos, or writing the message "We Will Not Raise Our Children to Kill Another Mother's Child" down, to share with others later. We're sure Julia Ward Howe would be proud.
The Quilt Too Long to Fit in One Photo
Julia Ward Howe Would Be Proud
