Report by Ms. Jacqueline Cabasso, Executive Advisor of Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation
For the past 26 years, the Peace Coalition of Monterey County has hosted a Peace Celebration on September 21, the UN International Day of Peace. This year’s event, a well-attended potluck dinner held at the Monterey Peace and Justice Center on the central coast of California, honored the seven Monterey County mayors who are members of Mayors for Peace. Mayors for Peace Executive Advisor Jackie Cabasso was the guest speaker, with Mayor Tyller Williamson of Monterey, Mayor Bruce Delgado of Marina, and Mayor Mary Ann Carbone of Sand City in attendance.
Ms. Cabasso gave a brief history of the International Day of Peace, noting its contribution to the global movement for a culture of peace. She then gave an update about Mayors for Peace, highlighting its emphasis on building a culture of peace, and giving examples from Manchester and Malakoff. And she reported on the recent Mayors for Peace General Conference in Nagasaki, summarizing the 2025 – 2029 Action Plan and quoting from the Nagasaki Appeal. She also made recommendations for activities U.S. members of Mayors for Peace can undertake.
Following Ms. Cabasso’s presentation, the three Monterey County mayors made heartfelt brief remarks. Mayor Williamson talked about the need to link global nuclear weapons issues with local concerns. Mayor Delgado linked his concern for the environment with the need to abolish nuclear weapons, and Mayor Carbone, the first Native American mayor of Sand City, stressed the importance of education and art for children.
Photos: courtesy of Mr. John Burroughs