Sunday, July 3, 2005
Peace on the Beach

An alternative for the peace community

As we all know, Independence Day in the United States is not much cause for celebration among the world's oppressed people. It isn't Independence Day for people living under U.S. occupation. It isn't Independence Day for our own indigenous people who were slaughtered by the hundreds of thousands in our quest for “freedom.” It isn't Independence Day for millions of African Americans who were still living in America as slaves when we declared ourselves to be a free people. And it isn't Independence Day for the two million Americans currently living behind bars, many for non-violent crimes. I am sure you can think of many, many other examples.

For those of you who are looking for a peaceful alternative to the traditional July 4th celebration of U.S. imperialism and militarism, St. Pete for Peace and St. Pete Food Not Bombs would like to invite you to join us for Peace on the Beach. Instead of celebrating independence for some, we will celebrate our vision of independence for all in a world that is inclusive and is based on respect for all life forms.

St. Petersburg Food Not Bombs



Where
Gulfport Beach, 55th Street and Shore Blvd. S. [map]

When
Sunday, July 3rd; 2PM to sunset

What
Potluck, acoustic music and drum circle, games, peace sand-sculpting

What to bring
A dish to share (please remember we have numerous vegetarians and vegans – please mark your dish “vegetarian” or “vegan” if it is suitable for those who do not consume meat or animal products.) Beach balls, frisbees, soccer balls, volley balls and sand toys.
Drums, acoustic guitars or other acoustic instruments.

This is a family-friendly event. Look for the Food not Bombs or St. Pete for Peace banners in the picnic shelters.
Can you help out with the event?
If you would like to volunteer to help coordinate a game, help out with music, set up or clean up, please contact jmarvin@stpeteforpeace.org or carol@stpeteforpeace.org

Special announcement: For those of you who know Rev. Bruce Wright of The Refuge and Mid Pinellas Homeless Outreach, we will be collecting money at this event to assist him with medical bills incurred in his recent accident. Also St. Pete Food Not Bombs will be setting out a basket for food donations. Also, if you have an extra box of pasta, rice, canned veggies or some spices in your cupboard, we are always in need of these items. Please help out if you can.