Two years ago, on the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, seven Catholic workers (now called the Kings Bay Plowshares 7), broke into the U.S. Naval base in Kings Bay, Georgia – the Atlantic Fleet’s base for the Trident nuclear submarine arsenal.
On this second anniversary of the Kings Bay Plowshares 7 action we Grannies honor their fierce courage in challenging those who seek war over peace and death over life. We have stood with them in solidarity at protests, vigils and marches over many years. During this current period of isolation and the global reach of the COVID-19 epidemic, we thank them for being a source of inspiration and light. Stay safe – our fragile world needs you.
The seven activists spray-painted messages, poured their blood on various structures, and cut fences into a high-security area. They were arrested and jailed for six weeks without bail. At a trial last October they were found guilty and are now awaiting their sentencing date. Six activists are out of jail, wearing ankle monitors; one remains in prison, Fr. Stephen Kelly.
Their non-violent acts were a symbolic disarmament of the Trident nuclear base. A Trident submarine measures the length of two football fields. A Trident warhead can travel 1370 miles in 13 minutes and its load can vary from 100 to 455 kilotons (the bomb dropped on Hiroshima was 14 kilotons).
Dr. King said “The ultimate logic of racism is genocide.” The Kings Bay Plowshares 7 said “The ultimate logic of tridents is omnicide.” To learn more about the KB Plowshare 7, go to https://ithacavoice.com/2019/10/anti-nuclear-activists-kings-bay-plowshares-7-found-guilty/
We cannot and will not be silent.
Nydia Leaf with Phyllis Cunningham for the Granny Peace Brigade
Granny Peace Brigade 