What is the Ribbon International?

The Ribbon is made up of countless panels of cloth each showing peoples desire for disarmament, a healthy environment or for peace. The original theme of the Ribbon "What I cannot bear to think of as lost forever in a nuclear war." The concept originated with Justine Merritt in 1982 while living in Denver, CO. She requested friends and relatives to create their representations of cloth segments using sewing, painting or any other suitable medium. The panels measured three feet by one and a half feet with a tie on each corner so that they could easily be joined together. The idea spread rapidly through places of worship, schools and organizations. The first Ribbon events were held in the United States and Japan. They culminated on August 4, 1985 commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the nuclear bombing at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. On that day eighteen miles of Ribbon panels were joined together in Wash., D.C. and in Hiroshima the A-Bomb Memorial Dome was encircled with Ribbons. Since then the Ribbon has become an ongoing project in countries around the world.

The Ribbon

The Ribbon

Sunday, November 29, 2015

 
Some events and photos from 2015
Peace Gathering to Commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki


              

             Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki with peace walk and prayer to Fr. Demo Square, NY


                                                      Beijing 20 UN Women's March
             Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up For Gender Equality and Women's Rights


 
 
Ribbons are displayed annually and the Interfaith Prayer for peace is read
for the International Day of Peace (9/21)
at the Band Shell, Central Park, NYC


           
                             An all day event in Central Park for the International Day of Peace.
 
 
 
Below, recently found, NYT's Editorial Aug. 29, 1985
                       Ribbon created by women from Women's Center of Huntington, NY.   
                       Photo from left to right, Michele Peppers, Barbara Gathard, Viginia Backus
                       at the Pentagon Ribbon joining, Aug. 4, 1985.
                                                                               
Text of the article:  Wrapping Washington in a Ribbon of Love
To the Editor: 
     Having participated in "The Ribbon" surrounding the Pentagon, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Capitol on Aug. 4, I wish to correct your news article of Aug. 5, reporting only that a symbolic ribbon protested nuclear arms.
      You missed the theme for the ribbon segments (an idea started by Justine Merritt of Colorado), which was "what you cannot bear to think of as lost forever in a nuclear war."  There were segments displaying peace symbols and scripture, but to mention just those did a disservice to all who lovingly drew, stitched, quilted, embroidered, etc., what each holds dear.  More than a protest of nuclear arms, it was a celebration of life!
       In addition to the groups sponsored by religious and peace organizations there were many thousands who came just as individuals.  We honored our diversity and celebrated our unity!
                                         Virginia M. Backus, Melville, L.I., Aug. 6, 1985


 


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