Prince of Peace Plowshares
Before dawn on Ash Wed., Feb 12, six people calling themselves the
Prince of Peace Plowshares boarded USS The Sullivans at Bath Iron Works
(BIW) in Maine. USS The Sullivans is an Aegis destroyer carrying enough
nuclear missiles to destroy half a continent.
The activists were observed by security upon boarding the destroyer, but before
they could be intercepted, they fanned out to the Pilot House, the Bridge, the
Helicopter Pad, and the Missile Hatch Covers. On each they hammered and
poured their own blood. On the deck, their banner was unfurled...
Prince of Peace Plowshares
They shall beat their swords into Plowshares
and their Spears into Pruning Hooks
They were able to read their statement together before security -- both BIW
and Navy police -- leveled guns (including shotguns) at them and forceably
threw them to the deck.
The six plowshare activists are now in custody at the Cumberland County Jail
in Portland, ME. At first charged with criminal trespass and criminal mischief,
they now await sentencing on federal conviction of conspiracy and the
destruction of government property.
Local supporters gather in front of Bath Iron Works in Portland to protest
the deployment of nuclear armaments and to support the six activists.
Here are some pictures from a recent vigil...
Protesters in front of Bath Iron Works in Portland
Passing motorists view the protestors' signs
Raising consciousness
Protestor holds up picture of convicted activists
More Pictures