Golden Rule peace boat coming to Mackinaw City and Traverse City
MACKINAW CITY — Veterans for Peace of Northern Michigan will welcome the Golden Rule and its mission of peace to Mackinaw City on Sunday, Aug. 20 and Traverse City on Aug. 22 and 23.
The Veterans for Peace Golden Rule first set sail to oppose nuclear weapons testing in 1958.
According to a press release from the organization, the visit of the 34-foot wooden ketch to Northern Michigan is “an opportunity for our communities to turn out (and) stand against the modern threat of nuclear war and welcome the historic vessel as she sails into Mackinaw City and on to Grand Traverse Bay past Northport, Omena, Peshawbestown, Suttons Bay, and Old Mission to Traverse City’s Open Space Park.”
In connection with the ship’s visits, the group will host a series of events to raise awareness for their cause. They are also calling for local boats to meet and escort the Golden Rule as she sails down Grand Traverse Bay in a Flotilla for Peace. To get involved, sign up at leelanau.com/goldenrule.
"There is so much divisiveness in our world and community today,” said Tim Keenan, president of Veterans for Peace, Chapter 50. “One fact the vast majority of us can agree on is that the use of nuclear weapons would be catastrophic for humankind and our planet. The Golden Rule aims to bring awareness of the importance of supporting the UN treaty to ban nuclear weapons, and the visit gives the people of our region a chance to make their voices heard."
The Golden Rule will dock at the Mackinaw City Marina from 4-6 p.m. on Aug. 20. People will be able to meet the crew, see the boat, and discuss nuclear issues.
In Traverse City, the Golden Rule will dock at the Duncan L Clinch Marina. In Traverse City, the group plans to host documentary screenings, educational boat tours, and a Peace Rally.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Golden Rule peace boat coming to Mackinaw City and Traverse City
