Hetty Bower, 106 at the Anti-War Mass Assembly 2011. Photo © Eugenie Absalom.
Ten Years On
Anti-War Mass Assembly by Stop the War Coalition
Trafalgar Square, 8 October 2011
Ten Years On Anti-War Mass Assembly by Stop the War Coalition demanded that no more lives should be wasted in Afghanistan. War is not a solution to any conflict. Peace and justice should prevail was the message.
Walking legend Hetty Bower, 106 spoke at the rally and was an inspiration to all the activists of UK peace movement. Hetty Bower reminded me of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother because of her radiant energy and tireless determination to always be at the nation’s service.
The Anti-War Mass Assembly brought together prominent speakers, including world renowned composer Howard Blake OBE, who performed his magic melody Walking In The Air, 106 year old iconic British pacifist Hetty Bower, artist and musician Brian Eno, Jeremy Corbyn MP, YouTube sensation Sanum Ghafoor, Stop the War Coalition Chairman Andrew Murray, ex-soldier Joe Glenton, who was jailed for refusing to fight in Afghanistan, and thousands of peace activists with anti war placards.
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The dreamy lullaby music of Walking In The Air with awakening stuccato in the middle of performance by Howard Blake said a lot with no words. It went straight into people’s hearts. Naming the Dead Ceremony paid respects to those who lost their lives in the Afghanistan war. 120 black balloons were released in the sky above Trafalgar Square following the Ceremony.
View my entry Howard Blake OBE at Anti-War Mass Assembly 2011 photo video mix
in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Time Capsule of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
Photo and Video Camera: Eugenie Absalom
Video editing: Pianocrasher
Copyright © Eugenie Absalom 2011
