The memorial tree planting picnic was both fun and heartwarming.
Several of us arrived just as the traffic got busy for the openhouse
and
informed the gate of our plans. "Have a good time" we were told,
and we
proceeded to set up the equipment -- picnictables, signs along the
road
into the base. Shortly more people and more chairs, coolers,
and the
trees, rusty "seabed" were installed.
Two memorial trees were planted
after much picking away of holes, and an informal circle spoke and
dedicated a plaque for Meryl Olsen which was installed. Meanwhile,
the
traffic continued in and out of the base and handouts given to those
who
were arriving by peaceactivists (Dyanne Brown had the forsight to wear
an
orange traffic jacket so most people apparently thot she was part of
the
CFMETR staff and gratefully received the informational handout).
No
attempts were made to stop any of our activities, and we were careful
to
keep the main road clear so no excuse could be offered to halt our
work
and play. About 20 people attended, and we all had lots of time
to visit
and relax in our chairs during the 5 hours we were at the basegates.
Interesting to note that the base had taken up our idea of treeplanting
since we had been there in the fall, and done some planting themselves
outside the gates, so we intermingled our planting with theirs to continue
this weaving of the greenery and signs of hope. The small trees
planted
in the fall were doing well and, considering the large amounts of compost
that we brought in for the new trees, these should also be evergrowing
reminders of the changes we want to see at CFMETR. A few folks
working at
the gates came to chat as the day slowed down and all were cordial
to the
peacefolk blissed out by the sun and wind and job well done.
Nanaimo Times chap came to do some interviews and took pics. Copies
of the
handout were sent to local papers, one of which printed letter in full.
We now have a small roster of folks ready and willing to do some actions
at the base should it be necessary when another nuclear ship arrives
for
testing. Sunshine
! NANOOSE CONVERSION CAMPAIGN, 2150 Maple Street Vancouver BC V6J 3T3
! www.user.dccnet.com/welcomewoods/Nuclear_Free_Georgia_Strait/nanoose.html