As the representatives of nation states prepare to gather to debate the Treaty to Ban Nuclear Weapons at the United Nations, Veterans for Peace launched its own campaign for nuclear disarmament. The theme for this 2017 voyage is BAN NUCLEAR WEAPONS! No New Nukes!

In 1958 four Quaker peace activists sailed the Golden Rule toward the Marshall Islands to interfere with U.S. nuclear bomb testing. This bold nonviolent direct action inspired a worldwide movement leading to the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1963.

The Golden Rule and its crew is taking on an ambitious schedule sailing down the California Coast from Eureka to San Diego with side trips to Sacramento and Petaluma.

Veterans for Peace have endorsed the Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act introduced by Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass) and Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA). The bill would prohibit a first use of nuclear weapons by the United States unless Congress first declares war.

Trinity Church, the Ocean Protection Coalition and Occupy Mendocino are hosting a potluck and presentation, Meet and Eat with the Crew of the Historic Golden Rule, on Monday, June 12. The event starts at 6 p.m. at Trinity Church, 620 E. Redwood Ave. in Fort Bragg.

On Tuesday, June 13, at 6 p.m., Silvers at the Wharf will be the site for a no-host drinks, dinner and conversation with the crew followed by a presentation and discussion featuring guest speaker physicist Lynda Williams. Her expertise is in nuclear power, weapons and missile defense. Williams is a board member of the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space and is an ally to Veterans For Peace. For information on meal prices call 707-964-4283.

The Golden Rule Boat tour schedule is set for Monday, June 12, 12 to 4 p.m.; Tuesday, June 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Wednesday, June 14, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Golden Rule is a national project of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Veterans For Peace, For more information, call Ann Rennacker at 707-964-1420 (Trinity Church event), and Helen Jaccard, VFP Golden Rule project manager at 206-992-6364.

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Historic Golden Rule Peace Boat on its way to Noyo Harbor! - Ft. Bragg Advocate-News