Mothers plan reprise of Peace Walk

DEAR EDITOR:

This Mother’s Day is the 40th anniversary of the Mother’s Day Peace Walk, where the Canadian and American peaceniks meet at the border and renew their dedication to a peaceful future.

In 1983, the Canadian government agreed to allow the U.S. to test their cruise missiles over Canadian territory, as it most resembled the terrain of Russia.

The testing area would take place in a 2,200 km. corridor that included parts of the Northwest Territory, B.C., Alberta, and Saskatchewan.

The cruise missile was designed to carry nuclear weapons and fly under the radar.

Although the missile would be unarmed during the tests, the very idea of it was seen by many as an alarming escalation of the Cold War.

That’s when the dedicated peaceniks in Cawston decided that something had to be done to show their disapproval and keep the peace movement alive.

They made a replica of the cruise missile out of paper mache and mounted it on top of a big car to take back to the Americans. They weren’t in touch with the American peace groups so they went to what they assumed was a hippy house across the line, thinking they would know the peace groups on their side of the border.

They went up to the house and knocked on the door. The music was so loud that they knocked several times before they just walked in.

They were greeted warmly and told by the Americans that they would be there with a big wagon to pick up the cruise missile replica.

Next they had to go to the border to let them know what they planned to do.

At that time the border crossing was a small building with a few employees. They were given the go ahead and it was a huge success.

The Canadians met at Haynes Point Park and walked to the border and the Americans arrived at the same time with their wagon. Lifelong friendships were made at that gathering.

Busloads of Doukhobors arrived from as far away as Creston. Mothers and many children were there.

People put their names on a list and took turns coming up to the mic to speak, sing, recite, inform, or entertain. The prop was handed over to the Americans who then took it back home.

It would be a wonderful thing if, for its 40 th year, we could have a good turn-out again This year the plan is for people to bring something they can share with others for a big picnic.

Bring all the kids you can. Bring your mom. Bring your friends. Your walking pals — it’s a good long walk and the first part is uphill.

We meet at 1 p.m. at Haynes Point Park in Osoyoos on Sunday, May 14 and walk to the border.

For those who can’t walk all that way, drive up to the border and take your chairs across the lawn to the site. Donna Stocker Cawston