Hello Alamo!
Over the past year and a half or so that I’ve been writing this blog, I’ve been pretty open about where I stand; on the side of all my neighbors. Queer, disabled, unhoused, mentally ill, young, old, immigrant… I’m for the betterment of everybody.
One thing I really want to get across overall is that we are all different, and we all deserve the same respect. We can learn from each other, grow together, laugh together, support each other, and these are all things I consider ‘being in community’ with one another.
So when Veterans for Peace approached a group I’m in, Otero Humanist Community, about participating in an event they were planning, I was all for it.
I know very well that this is a military town. The history of displacement and land disputes that led to the construction of the White Sands Missile Range and Holloman is infuriating, but it did lead to wealth in the area. On top of that, the individuals in the military are worth respecting as fellow people with no other choice but to work to afford living.
The missile range, as we all know, was where the first atomic bomb was tested near here at Trinity Site. The fallout from that test was pretty tragic, tragic enough for the government to finally approve Radiation Exposure Compensation Act claims to New Mexico residents, known as Downwinders. (Little note, the government will stop accepting claims to help with survivor and health costs on December 31st, 2027. Here are resources.)
Given the gardens, given how much we inherently rely on our environment to survive, and given how the military was directly responsible in this instance, it is reasonable to conclude that part of caring for our community includes being more thoughtful about how institutions’ actions affect all of us.
These are opposing truths that I just have to contend with. That’s empathy. That’s looking past institutions I have a problem with to see the humanity in the people participating in them, alongside seeing the humanity in the people harmed by them.
I want more of us to do that.
The Party for Peace is a family-friendly chance to come together, see the humanity in each other, and celebrate what is worth protecting: our community.
In partnership with the Humanists, Democracy Otero County, and the White Sands Unitarian Fellowship, it takes place on April 9th from 6pm to 9:30pm at Washington Park. It will include speeches, a food truck, dancing, a glow station, kite-flying, games, sign-making for the march April 10th downtown*, and a community tree to express yourselves. Live musical acts include Rhiannon Lace, Emily Dequina, and frequent-associate-of-the-Downwinders Paul Pino.
To reduce waste and improve accessibility, it is highly encouraged to bring your own reusable water bottles and camp chairs.
Peace Week also includes the chance for further education. On April 6th, the library will show a Kanopy documentary called National Bird, about 3 whistleblowers uncovering the impact of drone warfare. On April 10th, Patron’s Hall will screen Abby Martin’s 2nd feature documentary project called Earth’s Greatest Enemy at 6:30pm.
Respectful, themed vigils will take place on Holloman AFB Monday-Friday from 6:30-8:30am and 3:30-5:30pm.
I hope to see you there, ready to learn and connect.
Salud.
*Marchers will gather at the south end of Alameda Park, march from 11-12:30pm
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