Report by Ms. Sandra Rogowski, the City of Dortmund, Germany
To generate even more attention for this year’s Flag Day of the Mayors for Peace German Chapter on July 8, the Dortmund city administration came up with something very special.
The logo of the Mayors for Peace network, the peace dove with the “Peace” lettering, was spray-painted in a size of 4.5×4.5 meters with spray chalk on the paved ground of the Peace Square (Friedensplatz). Located in the city center, it is an important hub of public life in Dortmund, as the city hall and the city’s civic services are located here and the square is very popular for events. Thus, the glowing logo quickly catches the eyes of people strolling through the square.
The idea for the campaign originated from the Office for International Relations of the City of Dortmund. The visible sign against nuclear weapons, in addition to the hoisting of the Mayors for Peace flag on Flag Day in the German Chapter, is intended to raise awareness of the dangers of these weapons among the people of Dortmund.
The action was well received in civil society. Two organizations that have long supported and been involved in the Mayor for Peace Flag Day in Dortmund—the Dortmund branch of the German-Japanese Society and the IPPNW (International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War)—expressed enthusiasm for the action and eager anticipation of its recurrence.
Photo: courtesy of the City of Dortmund