US PEACE PRIZE
US Peace Prize
recipients
are
Gerry Condon
, Friends Committee on National Legislation
National Network Opposing the Militarization of
Youth
, Costs of War
World BEYOND War, Christine Ahn,
Ajamu Baraka
, David Swanson, Ann Wright, Veterans
For Peace, Kathy Kelly,
CODEPINK Women for Peace, Chelsea Manning, Medea Benjamin, Noam
Chomsky, Dennis Kucinich, and Cindy Sheehan.
The
US Peace
Memorial Foundation
awards the
US Peace Prize
to recognize and honor the
most outstanding and
prominent
American antiwar leaders
. These courageous people and organizations
have publicly championed
peaceful solutions to international
conflicts involving the U.S. and/or opposed U.S. war(s), militarism, and
interventions including invasion, occupation, production and distribution of
weapons of mass destruction, use of weapons, threats of war, or other hostile
actions that endanger peace. We celebrate these extraordinary role models to
inspire other Americans to speak out against war and work for peace.
ecipients have been designated as
Founding Members
of the US Peace Memorial Foundation.
Read details about the inspiring antiwar/peace activities of the recipients and
all nominees in the
US Peace Registry
US
Peace Prize recipients and nominees are documented below
(See
the nomination process and procedure at
www.USPeaceMemorial.org/Nominations.htm
.)
Gerry
Condon Awarded 2025 US Peace Prize
The 2025 US
Peace Prize has been awarded to
The Honorable
Gerry
Condon
For Courageous Resistance to War, Long-term Leadership
of Veterans For Peace, and Opposition to Nuclear Weapons.
The US
Peace Prize was presented on November 23, 2025, in San Francisco by Michael
Knox, Chair and Founder of the US Peace Memorial Foundation. The ceremony was
held
during a “No War on Venezuela” rally at the
Veterans War Memorial Building.
In his remarks, Dr. Knox said,
“Gerry
Condon has been a dedicated peace activist since 1968, when he refused orders
to deploy to Vietnam and spoke out publicly against the war and the draft. He
deserted the U.S. Army and has continued to be an outspoken critic of U.S. wars,
writing dozens of articles on antiwar topics, including the prohibition of
nuclear weapons and genocide. He has given antiwar speeches worldwide,
organized delegations, coordinated initiatives, and traveled to war zones. His
vital work often puts him in harm's way. Mr. Condon has served in leadership
roles in numerous peace organizations, including the Task Force for the
Americas and many associated with Veterans For Peace, serving as the
organization’s president
nd as president of the Golden Rule Committee,
helping to coordinate voyages of the historic anti-nuclear sailboat. Thank you,
Gerry, for your
crucial
work to end U.S. war, militarism, threats of war, and nuclear weapons. The US
Peace Prize is a prestigious honor that will help call attention to and
reinforce your important work for peace.”
Gerry responded, “
want to thank Michael Knox and the US Peace Memorial Foundation for recognizing
my work for a peaceful U.S. foreign policy free from intervention in the
internal affairs of other nations. I humbly accept this award on behalf of many
wonderful activists who work for peace and solidarity with people around
the globe. In my life, I have been privileged to work with Vietnam war
resisters in Sweden and Canada, and with Veterans For Peace. A highlight for me
has been to work with the Golden Rule peace boat, which has sailed 20,000
miles in the last ten years for a world free of nuclear weapons. I share this
award with my life partner, Helen Jaccard, who as the Golden Rule’s project
manager during those ten years, is largely responsible for its success.
I have also been
privileged to travel multiple times to Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela,
societies that are struggling hard to free themselves from foreign intervention
and to lift their people out of poverty. I am happy to work with terrific Latin
America solidarity activists in the Task Force on the Americas. I am
excited to be working with younger veterans in Veterans For Peace who are
passionately organizing to end US/Israeli genocide in Gaza. Older and
younger veterans are resisting ethnic cleansing by masked ICE agents in our
communities and U.S. troops illegally deployed on our streets. Along with all
these dedicated activists, I will continue to work for Peace at Home and Peace
Abroad. No War on Venezuela! No Troops in Our Streets! No More Genocide in Our
Name!”
Read articles about the presentation at
www.laprogressive.com/war-and-peace/two-peace-prizes
and
www.pressenza.com/2025/11/gerry-condon-receives-the-2025-us-peace-prize-in-san-francisco
The 2025 US Peace Prize
final
nominees
were
Gerry Condon, Joseph
Gerson, National Priorities Project, and Timmon Wallis
. You can read details of all nominees' antiwar/peace activism
in the
US Peace Registry
Friends
Committee on National Legislation Awarded 2024 US Peace Prize
The 2024 US Peace Prize
has been awarded to the
Friends Committee on National Legislation
(FCNL)
“For Efforts Over 81 Years to
Educate, Build Coalitions and Influence Congress to Stop Funding War and
Nuclear Weapons
.”
The US
Peace Prize was presented
on November 16, 2024, at the FCNL Annual Meeting
by Michael Knox, Chair and Founder of the US
Peace Memorial Foundation. In his remarks, Dr. Knox said, “
We greatly appreciate
the crucial work that FCNL is doing to end war, militarism, and nuclear weapons
by educating the public, building coalitions, and lobbying Congress and
the administration
For over eight
decades, the Friends Committee has developed an impressive portfolio of antiwar
actions. Most recently, d
emanding that the U.S.
call for a ceasefire in Palestine and Israel, de-escalation, and humanitarian
access to Gaza. The US Peace Prize is a commendation that will help call
attention to and reinforce your important work for peace.”
The
award was accepted by Bridget Moix,
General Secretary,
who
responded, “On behalf of our board and staff, thousands of advocates around the
country persisting for peace with us, and all those who have been part of
FCNL's work over the years, we are honored and grateful to receive this 2024 US
Peace Prize. For over 80 years, FCNL has sought to be a clear and consistent
voice for peace and justice on Capitol Hill. Receiving this prize is
especially significant as we face escalating war in the Middle East, growing
global violence and authoritarianism, and enormous threats to our own democracy
here at home. A world of justice and peace for all people may seem a distant
dream, but our Quaker faith and the powerful communities with whom we work
every day sustain us in this ongoing struggle for the world we seek.”
Friends
Committee on National Legislation is a nonpartisan Quaker organization that
lobbies Congress and the administration to advance their priorities of peace,
justice, environmental stewardship, and a world free of war and the threat of
war. FCNL played a pivotal role in helping to create the Peace Corps and
promoting the slogan “War is Not the Answer” through signs and bumper stickers.
The organization also advocates for peacebuilding and against nuclear weapons
and U.S. Militarism. FCNL works with a grassroots advocacy network of tens of
thousands of people across the country and leads a coalition of organizations
pushing for U.S. support for a ceasefire in Israel/Palestine.
Shown
above are Stephen Donahue, Associate General Secretary for Development; Joe
Volk, Executive Secretary Emeritus; Michael Knox; and Bridget Moix, General
Secretary.
The
other US Peace Prize final nominees this year were Community Peacemaker
Teams, Merchants of Death War Crimes Tribunal, Louis H.
Pumphrey, and Ellen Thomas. You can read about all nominees'
antiwar/peace work in the
US Peace Registry
National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth
Awarded
2023 US Peace Prize
The 2023 US Peace Prize
was awarded to the
National Network
Opposing the Militarization of Youth (NNOMY) “For National Efforts to Stop U.S.
Military Influence on Young People, Saving Lives Here and Abroad.”
NNOMY was selected unanimously by the
Board of Directors of the US Peace Memorial Foundation.
The US
Peace Prize was presented
on September 19, 2023, at the
Peace Resource Center of San Diego by Michael Knox, Chair and Founder of
the US Peace Memorial Foundation. In his remarks, Dr. Knox said, “National
Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth shields young lives from some of
the strongest influences of militarism. Your work not only saves U.S.
lives by dissuading young people from joining the military - it also saves the
lives of people in distant countries who they could harm once they were part of
the U.S. war machine. NNOMY positively impacts
countless young
adults, and its nationwide efforts involve the contributions of many stellar
antiwar figures and
organizations. The US
Peace Prize is a prestigious honor that will help call attention to and
reinforce your important work for peace.”
The
award was accepted by Rick Jahnkow, the organization’s
Steering Committee
Representative, and several network members. Pictured above are Kendall
Brown of On Earth Peace,
Gary Ghirardi of
NNOMY
, Michael Knox, and
Rick
Jahnkow
and
Cassy Hernandez of
Project YANO
Rick Jahnkow responded, “NNOMY is grateful for
receiving this award and the recognition it will, hopefully, bring to the
urgent need to counter the militarization of young people. Protesting war once
it begins is never enough; if we are ever going to have a truly effective peace
movement, it must include proactively reaching out to and engaging with younger
generations in order to groom them to become activists for peace, instead of
war. It is this long-term vision that NNOMY brings to the peace movement.”
NNOMY
is an organization that brings together national, regional, and local groups to
oppose the military’s growing intrusion into young people’s lives, focusing on
trying to slow the process of militarization in schools by Pentagon programs
designed to promote recruitment into military service. By training and sending
antiwar counter-recruiters to speak with high school students, NNOMY attempts
to change the minds of young adults considering joining the U.S. military.
NNOMY also offers alternatives to entering the military and its wars, focusing
on communities significantly affected by military recruiting and the violence
of militarism.
Other
US Peace Prize nominees in 2023 were Gerry Condon, Francesco Da Vinci, Daniel
Ellsberg, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Abby Martin, and Jill
Stein. Read about the antiwar/peace activities of all recipients and nominees
in the
US
Peace Registry
Costs
of War Awarded 2022 US Peace Prize
The Board of Directors
of the US Peace Memorial Foundation has voted unanimously to award the
2022 US Peace Prize to
Costs of
War
For Crucial Research to Shed Light on The Human,
Environmental, Economic, Social, and Political Costs of U.S. Wars
.”
On September 30, 2022,
Michael D. Knox,
US
Peace Memorial Foundation
Chair, presented the US Peace Prize to Costs of War at
a workshop held at Watson Institute, Brown University, Providence, Rhode
Island. He
thanked
them for their important work that could help end U.S. wars. Knox
said, “The research and scholarly publications generated by Costs of War’s
faculty and staff provide accurate data that can truly impact our public and
foreign policy. Your
outreach to the media, lawmakers, and educators
helps to build momentum towards reversing long-standing patterns of U.S.
militarism.”
The program’s
Co-Directors, Drs. Neta C. Crawford, Catherine Lutz,
and Stephanie Savell
issued this joint statement in response to
receiving the award:
“On behalf of
our global network of over 50 scholars and experts, we’re thrilled to receive
the US Peace Prize for the Costs of War and deeply honored to be included
amongst the other exemplary awardees. This prize is a testament to the tireless
hard work and creative vision of so many people, from the scholars who share
their findings with the public to the many people who build Costs of War’s
impact from behind the scenes; all of us share a passion for working against
militarism.” Photo Note: Dr.
Lutz (center),
Dr. Crawford (right),
Dr.
Savell
not shown.
Costs of War is a
research collaboration housed at Brown University’s Watson Institute for
International and Public Affairs. It brings together the work of scholars and
experts from various disciplines and backgrounds based at different
universities and other organizations. Through ongoing research and analysis of
the impacts of the United States’ post-9/11 wars in Afghanistan, Iraq,
Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and elsewhere, the group seeks to educate the
American public and its leaders about the often unacknowledged human, economic,
political, social, and environmental costs of war, both in the U.S. and
internationally. Since Costs of War was founded in 2011, its contributors have
regularly published papers and data documenting the death tolls of wars, the
number of displaced people, the U.S. budgetary costs, and the geographic
expanse of U.S. counterterrorism operations. Having been recently cited in a
presidential speech, Costs of War’s research findings prompt Americans to ask
relevant and well-informed questions about U.S. wars.
The other 2022 US Peace
Prize nominees were the National Network Opposing the Militarization of
Youth, Randolph Bourne Institute,
and RootsAction.org. Read about the antiwar/peace activities of
all recipients and nominees in our publication, the
US Peace Registry
World
BEYOND War Awarded 2021 US Peace Prize
The 2021 US
Peace Prize has been awarded to
World BEYOND War
“for
exceptional global advocacy and creative peace education
to end war and dismantle the war machine.”
US Peace Memorial
Foundation
Chair Michael Knox thanked World BEYOND War and its
members “for years of outstanding and prolific antiwar actions and
extensive peace educational projects involving many people and organizations.
The Foundation appreciates your leadership and the significant impact your
members and programs have had throughout the world.” Click here to
watch a video of the 2021 US Peace Prize
presentation
The Peace Prize was
accepted by Leah Bolger, President, and David
Swanson, Executive Director, during A Global Webinar “The Past
and Future of Armistice/Remembrance Day” held on November 04, 2021.
Upon learning of the
award, David said, “World BEYOND War has grown so large that this prize needs
to be shared among hundreds of thousands of people, not just in the United
States but around the world. We are deeply honored to be placed in the company
of the amazing individuals and organizations who have previously received the
US Peace Prize and are grateful for all the work done by the US Peace Memorial
Foundation to advance demilitarization and the building up of a culture of
peace in the world's leading war-making nation.”
Leah remarked, “I
am thrilled that World BEYOND War is the recipient of the 2021 US Peace Prize!
I believe that World BEYOND War is doing some tremendous work, and it is
so gratifying to have that work recognized and lifted up by the US Peace Memorial.
Winning this year's US Peace Prize is quite an honor, and validation that WBW
might just be onto something! The publicity and attention this award will
bring will only help broaden our international network working together
to abolish war forever.”
World BEYOND War is a
grassroots, global network of activists, chapters, and affiliated organizations
that advocate for war abolition and establishing a just and sustainable peace.
Since it was founded in 2014, WBW has worked to debunk the myths that war is
inevitable, just, necessary, or beneficial. Instead, it advocates for an
“alternative global security system” based on demilitarizing security, managing
conflict nonviolently, and creating a culture of peace. A core pillar of WBW’s
work is peace education, which outlines the economic,
environmental,
democratic, cultural, and moral downsides of war and preparations for war. The
organization’s grassroots campaigns focus on weapons divestment and closing
military bases around the world as critical steps toward dismantling the war
machine.
The
other 2021 US Peace Prize nominees were Julian Aguon, Bruce Gagnon, David
Hartsough, and National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth.
Christine
Ahn Awarded 2020 US Peace Prize
The Board of Directors
of the
US
Peace Memorial Foundation
has voted unanimously to award the 2020 US
Peace Prize to
The Honorable Christine Ahn “for bold
activism to end the Korean War, heal its wounds, and promote women’s roles
in building peace.”
Michael Knox, Chair of
the Foundation, thanked Christine for her “outstanding leadership and activism
to end the Korean War and halt militarism on the Korean Peninsula. We applaud
your tireless work to involve more women in peace building. Your efforts over
the last two decades are greatly appreciated in the U.S. and around the world.
Thank you for your service.
Click here to
watch a video of the 2020 US Peace Prize
presentation
In response to her
selection, Ms. Ahn commented, “On behalf of Women Cross DMZ and
all the courageous women who are working to end the Korean War,
thank you for this tremendous honor. It is especially significant to receive this
award in the 70
th
anniversary of the Korean
War — a war that claimed four million lives, destroyed 80 percent of
North Korean cities, separated millions of Korean families, and
still divides the Korean people by the De-militarized Zone (DMZ),
which in reality is among the most militarized borders in the
world.
Sadly, the Korean War is
known as the ‘Forgotten War’ in the United States, even though
it continues to this day. That’s because the
U.S. government refuses to negotiate a peace agreement with North
Korea while continuing to wage a brutal war of sanctions against
innocent North Korean people and impede reconciliation
between the two Koreas. Not only is the Korean War the longest standing
overseas U.S. conflict, it is the war that inaugurated the U.S. military
industrial complex and put the United States on the path to become
the world’s military police.
I humbly accept this
award on behalf of the countless and nameless Korean activists whose lives have
been destroyed in their quest for peace and reunification, as they faced
tremendous obstacles by forces that continue to profit from this unended
war. For me, too, the road to peace has not been
easy. I have been redbaited, surveilled, denied entry to my
homeland, and, hardest of all, alienated within my own
family. But this peace prize sends a strong message of
hope to the diasporic communities here in the United
States. It not only affirms our
mission of peace but also the critical role that women play
in that effort. It’s time to move U.S. foreign policy away from endless
wars that have sown chaos and violence in our homelands, and to
recognize the leadership of women in creating the conditions that
normalize peace.
I am eternally grateful
to the US Peace Memorial Foundation for recognizing me, Women Cross DMZ, and
all the people who have devoted their lives to seeing peace in Korea.”
Christine Ahn has been a
strong and outspoken advocate for peace in Korea for nearly two decades,
working for a formal end to the Korean War with a peace agreement, normalized
relations, and tangible demilitarization on the Korean Peninsula. Ms. Ahn focuses
on
including women in the peace-building
process by organizing initiatives, campaigns, and educational projects that
encourage women to take an active leadership role. She
has
planned and participated in women’s peace walks across the demilitarized
zone, traveled with delegations to provide humanitarian aid to North
and South Korea, met with Korean leaders, and addressed the United
Nations as well as the U.S. Congress and Canadian Parliament,
challenging both governments on their anti-Korea, pro-war foreign policy.
Ms. Ahn is the
Co-founder, Executive Director, and International Coordinator
of Women Cross DMZ. A columnist and author, she
has been the keynote speaker at major
universities and is frequently interviewed by the media.
The
other 2020 nominees were Daniel Ellsberg,
Thomas C. Fox, Tulsi Gabbard, Alfred L.
Marder, Whatcom Peace and Justice Center, and World BEYOND War.
Ajamu Baraka
Awarded 2019 US Peace
Prize
The Board of Directors
of the
US
Peace Memorial Foundation
has voted unanimously to award the 2019 US
Peace Prize to
The Honorable
Ajamu
Baraka,
“whose bold antiwar actions, writings, speeches,
and leadership provide an inspiring voice against militarism.”
Michael Knox, Chair of
the Foundation, presented the award on September 23, 2019, during
the
forum "A Path to International
Peace: Realizing the Vision of the United Nations Charter," which was held
at the Community Church of New York.
CLICK HERE to view a video of the presentation.
In his remarks, Knox
said,
Thank
you, Ajamu, for your outstanding
domestic and international activism to end wars and
militarism
We applaud your long and
distinguished record of working for
social
justice, human rights, civil rights, and peace. Many antiwar
organizations have benefitted from your innovative leadership and
consultation. You are a force in revitalizing the Black antiwar
tradition.
I believe that
Black
Alliance for Peace
could be the most important new antiwar organization
established this century.
We want you
to know that your efforts are greatly appreciated here and around the
world.
Thank you for your service.
In his acceptance, Ajamu
said, “I want to thank the US Peace Memorial Foundation, Dr. Michael Knox and
the Board of Directors for this great honor and for your faith in me and my
work. I accept this award this evening with great honor and humility.
I accept not as an individual but as a member of a collective of peace and
antiwar activists, many of whom are in this room tonight, who paved the way
with their sacrifice, courage and unwavering dedication to the idea that we can
live in a world without war. We envision a world where human beings can
be free to live liberated from brutality, the madness of state and non-state
violence in all forms, from direct military engagements to the war of
sanctions. We believe that there is in fact an alternative to the
irrationality that we call “modernity” built on conquest, slavery, economic
exploitation and ongoing colonial domination. So, I accept this on behalf
of those visionaries, on behalf of the Black Alliance for Peace, on behalf of
all those who are committed to peace but who understand that there can be no
peace without justice, and for justice - we have to struggle to achieve
it.”
Ajamu
Baraka, a Vietnam-era war veteran, is a social justice and human and
civil rights activist who was the Green Party's nominee for Vice President
of the United States in 2016. In 1997, he was one of the 300
human rights defenders from around the world who were honored in commemoration
of the 50th anniversary of the United Nations' signing of the United
Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. In addition to being
the national organizer and spokesperson for Black Alliance for Peace,
Baraka is also an administrative committee member for the United National
Antiwar Coalition and an executive board member of the U.S. Peace
Council. For years he has been a force in revitalizing the
Black antiwar tradition, an influence on domestic and international education,
and an outspoken advocate against the U.S. foreign policy of
“humanitarian” intervention and U.S. military presence in other
countries. His numerous contributions include giving speeches and
interviews, writing articles, providing consultation and leadership, and taking
part in delegations and panels.
Nominees considered in
2019 included
Erica Chenoweth, Stephen D.
Clemens, Thomas C. Fox, Bruce K. Gagnon, Jewish Voice for
Peace, National Network Opposing the Militarization of
Youth, Sally-Alice Thompson, Women's March on the
Pentagon and World BEYOND War
David
Swanson Awarded 2018 US Peace Prize
The Board of Directors
of the
US
Peace Memorial Foundation
has voted unanimously to award the 2018 US
Peace Prize to
The Honorable David Swanson “whose
inspiring antiwar leadership, writings, strategies, and organizations help to
create a culture of peace.”
Michael Knox, Chair of
the Foundation, presented the award on August 26, 2018, at
the Veterans For Peace
33rd Annual Convention held in St. Paul,
MN.
CLICK HERE to view a
video of the presentation ceremony
In his
remarks, Knox said,
“Thank you, David, for
dedicating your life to ending wars. You are one of the most prolific
writers, speakers, activists, and organizers for peace. The breadth
of your work is staggering. You have enlightened us with books that are
in the forefront of modern antiwar thought; and with speeches, debates,
conferences, blogs, billboards, radio shows, online courses, videos,
websites, and more innovative ideas than we can name. We want you to know
that your efforts are greatly appreciated, here and around the world.”
Upon
learning of the award, David said, “This wonderful honor is definitely having
the impact on me that I imagine is intended, namely it is inspiring me to keep
at it and work harder to advance the abolition of war and the development of
peaceful behaviors and institutions. Thank you for the pat on the back
but also for the kick in the rear. We have a long ways yet to go.”
Mr. Swanson has written,
and contributed to, many books about peace and has authored hundreds of
articles and blog posts, including a plan to end wars. He serves as an
advocate for peace on several campaigns and committees and is regularly invited
to speak at antiwar rallies and meetings throughout the U.S. He hosts
“Talk Nation Radio,” has developed and led antiwar organizations, workshops,
and online courses, participated in debates at universities, and was featured
in many videos and TV interviews.
To learn more about his
inspiring contributions since 2003, please review his listing in our
publication, the
US Peace Registry
Nominees considered in
2018 included Daniel Ellsberg,
Nancy Mancias,
Colman
McCarthy,
Sharon Tennison,
Sally-Alice Thompson,
and S. Brian Willson.
Ann
Wright Awarded 2017 US Peace Prize
The Board of Directors
of the
US
Peace Memorial Foundation
has voted unanimously to award the 2017 US
Peace Prize to
The Honorable Ann Wright “for courageous antiwar
activism, inspirational peace leadership, and selfless citizen diplomacy.”
Michael Knox, Chair of
the Foundation, presented the award on August 12, 2017, at
the Veterans For Peace national convention banquet, held at
the Palmer House Hotel, Chicago. Nearly 400 VFP members were in
attendance.
In his remarks, Knox
said, “Thank you, Ann, for your bravery, leadership, and tireless work to end
war. Your efforts are greatly appreciated here and around the world.”
Ann Wright is a retired
U.S. Army Reserve Colonel and former U.S. diplomat who now works as a peace
activist. She has taken part in peace delegations to Pakistan and Yemen
to protest drone warfare, citizen diplomacy trips to Afghanistan and Iran, and
participated in delegations to provide humanitarian aid. The co-author of
a book entitled
Dissent: Voices of Conscience
, she has spoken at
many events opposing war and written numerous articles, op-ed pieces, and blogs
about the cost of war and challenging the war policies of the United
States. An outspoken advocate for nonviolent solutions to conflict, Ms.
Wright has been arrested multiple times for her actions disrupting
congressional activities to demand an end to civilian casualties and calling
for an end to U.S. drone strikes, and demonstrating and participating in
protests, including against the continued development of nuclear weapons by the
U.S.
Upon learning of the
award, Ann Wright said, “I am deeply honored to be the recipient of the US
Peace Memorial 2017 Peace Prize. I accept it on behalf of everyone who
works for peace everyday, in their home communities and nationally and
internationally.”
Nominees considered in
2017 included
Erica Chenoweth, Garry Davis,
Lynn Elling, Keith Ellison, Joseph Gerson, Edward (Ted) Lollis, Jim McDermott,
Maria J. Stephan, David Swanson, and S. Brian Willson.
You
can read about the antiwar/peace activities of all recipients and nominees in
our publication, the
US Peace Registry
Veterans
For Peace Awarded 2016 US Peace Prize
The Board of Directors
of the
US
Peace Memorial Foundation
voted unanimously to award the US Peace Prize to
Veterans
For Peace “In recognition of heroic efforts to expose the causes
and costs of war and to prevent and end armed conflict.”
Michael Knox, Chair of
the Foundation, presented the award on August 13, 2016, at
the Veterans For Peace national convention banquet, held at
the University of California, Berkeley. In his remarks, Knox
said, “Thank you, Veterans For Peace, for your tireless
antiwar work, creativity, and leadership. Your organization is an
inspiration to peace loving people throughout the world.”
The Peace Prize was
accepted by Michael McPhearson, Veterans For
Peace Executive Director; Barry Ladendorf, President of the Board of
Directors; and by Doug Rawlings, a VFP Founder, to loud applause from an
audience of about 400.
President Ladendorf
commented, “For 31 years, Veterans For Peace has been the only veterans
organization that has consistently led the peace movement in an effort to
abolish war, eventually eliminate nuclear weapons, expose the real costs of
war, stand in solidarity with veterans and victims of war, and to keep our
nation from interfering overtly and covertly into the affairs of other
nations. This award is a great honor for Veterans For Peace and is a
testament to the foresight, wisdom and dedication of our founders and to the
thousands of VFP members worldwide who have led us in our non-violent struggle
for a peaceful world. We are indeed grateful and honored to receive the
2016 US Peace Memorial Foundation Peace Prize.”
Veterans For Peace is an
organization of military veterans and supporters working to end and prevent
wars worldwide. Founded in 1985, VFP has grown over the past thirty years
to include more than 100 chapters across the United States, as well as chapters
in Europe and Asia. Many VFP members know first-hand the costs of war for
both soldiers and civilians. Thousands of veterans have joined the
organization's efforts to educate the public, heal the wounds of war, and build
a culture of peace.
Distinguished
Americans and nationally prominent U.S. organizations that were also
nominated and considered for the award in 2016 include
Center for Global
Nonkilling, Lynn M. Elling, Colman McCarthy, and Psychologists for Social
Responsibility.
Kathy
Kelly Awarded 2015 US Peace Prize
The Board of Directors
of the
US
Peace Memorial Foundation
voted unanimously to award the US Peace
Prize to
The Honorable Kathy F. Kelly “for inspiring
nonviolence and risking her own life and freedom for peace and the victims
of war.”
Michael Knox, Chair of
the Foundation,
presented the award on
August 9, 2015
, during an event to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the U.S.
bombing of Nagasaki. This Nagasaki day event, hosted by Pace e Bene and
its Campaign Nonviolence, was held on the stage at Ashley Pond, Los
Alamos, New Mexico. This is the place, geographically, where the
first atom bombs were constructed.
In his remarks, Knox
thanked Kelly for her service, great courage, and for all that she has
sacrificed. “Kathy Kelly is a consistent and clear voice for peace and
nonviolence. She is a national treasure and an inspiration to the world.”
Kathy Kelly is a peace
activist and pacifist who has traveled frequently to Middle East war zones to
help coordinate relief work, bring food and medicine to civilians affected by
armed conflicts, and report on her experiences observing the devastation caused
by war. She has met with youth in several war-torn countries to assist in
organizing peace campaigns. The author of numerous articles and books
opposing war, Ms. Kelly advocates for the use of civil disobedience to push for
change and has been arrested and imprisoned many times for her actions
including protesting against drone warfare. She has received more than a
dozen awards in recognition of her efforts working for peace and social justice
and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times.
Nominees considered in
2015 included Jodie Evans, Dr. Glenn D. Paige, Coleen Rowley, World Beyond
War, and Ann Wright. You can read about the antiwar/peace activities of
all recipients and nominees in our publication, the
US Peace Registry
Upon learning of the
award, Kathy Kelly said, “I’m grateful for the US Peace Memorial Foundation's
recognition of realities about war and peace. War is worse than an
earthquake. Following an earthquake, relief teams from around the
world assemble, helping find survivors, comforting the afflicted, and
initiating reconstruction. But as wars rage, many people watch the
killing on television screens, feeling helpless to make a
difference. Worse yet, many people sense with queasy discomfort that
they themselves helped supply the weapons being used.
It’s hard to look in the
mirror and see lost opportunities to be peacemakers. But we can
become rehabilitated, as a society, transformed from a menacing, fearsome
empire in decline into a society that earnestly wants to align with people
dedicated to building peaceable societies.”
Kelly continued, “During
a recent trip to Kabul, after listening to young friends envision growth of the
street kids’ school they’ve begun, I felt a blend of relief and
anxiety. It’s a relief to behold the youthful resolve which has
enabled children from three different ethnic backgrounds to join under the same
roof and learn, together, to read. It’s a relief to know that in
spite of the fissures and the torrents of violence and despair, our young
friends feel determined to persevere.
But I was anxious as to
whether or not internationals would find the wherewithal to fund the
school. In a moment of pique, I raised my voice and insisted to my
young friends that all of the countries who’ve fought in Afghanistan, and most
especially the U.S., should be paying reparations. ‘Kathy,’ Zekerullah
gently admonished me, ‘please don’t make people in your country feel
guilty. Don’t you think most people would rather build than destroy?’”
Kelly concluded,
“Zekerullah would deftly assure us that even as one hand holds a mirror for us
to look into, the other offers to reassuringly balance us, hold us, steady
us. The US Peace Memorial helps build this steadying influence, urging us
to keep one foot planted amid people bearing the brunt of war, and one foot
just as firmly planted amid those who nonviolently resist war making. The
US Peace Memorial Foundation helps us find our equilibrium, helps us rise.”
CODEPINK Awarded
2014 US Peace Prize
The US Peace
Memorial Foundation has awarded the US Peace Prize to
CODEPINK Women
for Peace “In Recognition of Inspirational Antiwar
Leadership and Creative Grassroots Activism.”
Michael Knox,
Chair of the Foundation, presented the award on August 7, 2014, during a
ceremony at The New Peace Center in Culver City, CA.
The plaque was
accepted by co-founders Medea Benjamin and Jodie
Evans, to overwhelming applause from an audience of about 100
people. In his remarks, Knox thanked CODEPINK for the great courage its
members have shown and for the sacrifices they have made for peace.
“CODEPINK
is the most innovative,
effective, and visible antiwar presence in the United States.
Its approaches to peace and opposition to war are contemporary and receive
more media and government attention than any other peace group. CODEPINK
has shown what volunteers can do with limited resources. Their service is
an inspiration to the world.”
In learning of the
award, Jodie Evans remarked, “What a wonderful honor for tens of thousands of
women and men of CODEPINK who take action, write letters to the editor,
organize locally, travel globally, and live intentionally to create a more
peace filled world. I feel blessed to work with this posse of angels who
live from their hearts and gather under the banner CODEPINK, and those we
collaborate with around the world who know that war is not the answer and the
money we spend on war, weapons, and violence needs to be invested in our
communities to achieve the peace and justice we all desire.”
Medea Benjamin noted:
“After more than a decade of perpetual war, the American people are both war
weary and war wise, understanding that a military response to violence only
leads to more violence. While the military contractors and weapons manufacturers
have made a killing, the rest of us - at home and abroad - have had to deal
with death, suffering, PTSD, corruption, and depleted economies. I am
honored to be part of a vibrant peace movement in CODEPINK and beyond, a
movement that is now gaining traction with the general public that is more and
more wary of calls for foreign military adventures. We don't do this work
for recognition, but after so many years of exhausting work, getting this prize
from the US Peace Memorial Foundation inspires us to continue our efforts to
build a world where we take care of each other and our precious planet, and
send the weapons-makers back to the drawing board to come up with a new set of
products that are not designed to kill.”
CODEPINK is the first
organization to be recognized in this way by the Foundation. Nominees
considered in 2014 included American Friends Service Committee, Garry
Davis, Psychologists for Social Responsibility, the Jeannette Rankin
Peace Center, and David Swanson.
CODEPINK:
Women For Peace is a women-initiated
grassroots peace movement working to end U.S. funded wars and occupations and
redirect government resources to life-affirming activities including
healthcare, education, and green jobs. Since the organization was founded
in 2002, it has led numerous delegations to Iraq and Gaza that have gained
significant media attention. CODEPINK's efforts focus on opposing
militarism globally, through civil resistance and directly challenging
corporate and government decision-makers.
Chelsea
Manning Awarded 2013 US Peace Prize
The Board of Directors
of the US Peace Memorial Foundation voted unanimously to award the US Peace
Prize to
The Honorable Bradley (now known as
Chelsea) Manning for conspicuous bravery, at the risk of her own
freedom, above and beyond the call of duty.
Michael Knox, Chair of
the Foundation, presented the award on July 26, 2013, at a rally
at Ft. McNair, Washington, DC. The reading of the inscription was
met with great applause. In his remarks, Knox thanked Manning
for her courage and for all that she has sacrificed for this country and
the world. The plaque was accepted by Emma Cape,
Pvt. Manning Support Network
Campaign
Organizer.
Chelsea Manning, a
former Army intelligence analyst, shared thousands of classified military and
diplomatic documents that revealed facts about the corruption of the U.S.
government, a secret U.S. war in Yemen, the U.S. State Department marketing
weapons to other countries, and U.S. records of massive civilian deaths in Iraq
and Afghanistan. Despite facing court martial and imprisonment, Manning
leaked this information to show the American public the "true costs of
war" and "spark a debate about foreign policy." Manning
has received awards from numerous organizations for these courageous actions
and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize four times.
US Peace Prize nominees
considered in 2013 included American Friends Service Committee, CodePink,
Courage to Resist, Lynn Elling, Daniel Ellsberg, Food Not Bombs, and Ann
Wright.
Upon hearing of the
selection, nominee Daniel Ellsberg stated, “Bradley richly deserves this award,
as well as the Nobel Peace Prize for which he's also been nominated, with
support of more than 100,000 Americans. He was willing to sacrifice
his freedom to bring the murderous realities of ‘twenty-first century
asymmetric warfare’ to the attention of this country and the world in a way
that no one else has had the conscience or courage to do.”
Medea
Benjamin Awarded 2012 US Peace Prize
The Board of Directors
of the US Peace Memorial Foundation has voted unanimously to award the US Peace
Prize to
The Honorable Medea Benjamin in recognition of her
creative leadership on the front lines of the antiwar movement
The
award was presented October 28, 2012, at a ceremony in New York City.
Co-Founder of the
grassroots effort CODEPINK Women for Peace, Medea Benjamin is an
antiwar and human rights activist notable for assembling audacious disruptions
to live proceedings that would otherwise obscure the facts of war, resulting in
numerous arrests. She founded the International Occupation Watch Center
to monitor the U.S. military and the effects of war on civilian populations and
has staged and organized marches, petitions, fasts, humanitarian aid
deliveries, sit-ins and vigils in protest of U.S. war, military contractors,
foreign occupations, drones and harmful international alliances.
Benjamin’s projects have
taken her to Iran, Gaza and other parts of the Middle East, Korea and elsewhere
in Asia, Cuba and beyond in Latin America, and across North America and Europe,
always in service to her mission. Her numerous articles and books have
advanced the peace movement with revelations about drone warfare, the
U.S.-Saudi relationship, and the intersection of climate action and the quest
for a peaceful world.
Michael Knox, Chair of
the Foundation, thanked her for a decade of tireless, creative, and
inspiring peace leadership and activism during which she has demonstrated,
written, and spoken about ending wars; called attention to the devastation of
U.S. wars; and served as a role model for others.
In response to her
selection, Ms. Benjamin commented, “I am honored and delighted to
accept this award on behalf of the thousands of Americans who try to model the
kind of citizen diplomacy we want our government to emulate. While our
elected officials continue to fund war and massive military spending, we need
to stand up and call for a foreign policy that promotes negotiations, respect
and nonviolent solutions.”
In 2012 distinguished
nominees considered for the
US Peace Prize
included Pete
Seeger, Bradley Manning, Kathy Kelly, Debra Sweet, Coleen Rowley, Gene Sharp,
John Dear, and Daniel Ellsberg.
Noam
Chomsky Awarded 2011 US Peace Prize
The Board of Directors
of the US Peace Memorial Foundation has voted unanimously to award the 2011 US
Peace Prize to
The Honorable Noam Chomsky, “whose
antiwar activities for five decades both educate
and inspire.”
This award
was presented
on October 1, 2011, at a conference marking the 10
th
anniversary
of United for Justice with Peace held at
Suffolk
University in Boston, MA.
In presenting the award,
Michael Knox, Chair of the Foundation, thanked Professor Chomsky for a
half-century of peace activism during which he has taught, written, and spoken
about ending war; has actively resisted violent responses to conflict by our government;
and has served as a role model for others.
In response to receiving
the Peace Prize, Professor Chomsky commented, “No need to say that I am pleased
and honored to receive this award, and to be invited to join the former
recipients, who have dedicated themselves with such courage and integrity to achieve
peace with justice – which must be our goal, in a world of far too much
needless misery and oppression, and facing such dire consequences unless action
is undertaken vigorously and without delay.”
As a career linguist and
academic, it is no wonder Dr. Chomsky has defined his life’s work by actively
striving to improve human understanding. He testified on the
origins of the Vietnam War before the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee in 1972, having marched on the Pentagon and co-organized an antiwar
tax resistance action in the years preceding. He was repeatedly arrested
and sometimes imprisoned for his protests, and his books have been banned where
the control of ideas is the mode of the day.
Professor Chomsky began
writing on topics of global concern at the age of 10, ultimately becoming one
of the most influential intellectuals of the era. Uncorrupted by
popularity or fame, he remains controversial – yet respected – for his globally
published critiques of militant actions, totalitarian dictators, U.S.
misadventures in foreign affairs, genocide, and permanent war.
Congressman
Dennis Kucinich Awarded 2010 US Peace Prize
The Board of Directors
of the US Peace Memorial Foundation has voted unanimously to award
The
Honorable Dennis Kucinich the 2010 US Peace Prize “in recognition of his
national leadership to prevent and end wars.”
He received the award on
December 9, 2010. Michael Knox, Chair of the Foundation, thanked him for
his peace leadership and for serving as a role model to others.
Congressman Kucinich stated, "Peace is not only an absence of conflict,
but an active engagement which includes reaching out to others in the spirit of
cooperation to resolve what can sometimes be significant differences. I
accept this recognition in honor of the countless individuals who bring peace
and love into the lives of those around them."
Since 2001,
Representative Kucinich has consistently spoken out for peace and against war
by publishing well-informed analyses, sponsoring legislation, and making bold
speeches both at public rallies and on the House floor. His voting record
documents his commitment to opposing hostilities abroad. In 2004 and
2008, he was the only candidate for the Democratic nomination for President of
the United States who voted against the Iraq war authorization and every
funding appropriation related to that war. In fact, he introduced a
12-point plan in the House to end the war in Iraq and went on to vote against
the “Iran Freedom and Support Act,” which he deemed a “stepping stone to war”
in that country.
It is not surprising
that Dennis Kucinich has received many awards prior to this one. His
actions, resolutions, and proposals have demonstrated concern for areas from
Kosovo to Libya, from Afghanistan to Russia, from Syria to the Deep
State. His commitment to making non-violence an organizing principle
within our society, while working selflessly to end the permanent state of war
has been a guiding mission throughout his career, often at great political
cost.
Cindy
Sheehan Awarded 2009 US Peace Prize
The Board of Directors
of the US Peace Memorial Foundation has voted unanimously to award
The
Honorable Cindy Sheehan the 2009 US Peace Prize for “extraordinary and
innovative antiwar activism.”
Her history of diverse and
impressive activities that advocate against war and for peace led to her
selection as the first US Peace Prize recipient.
Michael Knox, Chair of
the Foundation, made the official announcement on December 12, 2009, at an
antiwar rally in front of the White House. A
reading of the inscription
on the plaque was
met with great applause. Ms. Sheehan received the award on December 30.
Knox thanked her for her peace leadership and for serving as a role model
to others. She has worked tirelessly to raise the awareness of
those who are not inclined to think about peace and the devastation of war.
Ms. Sheehan rose to
national prominence in the antiwar movement in 2004 after her firstborn son was
killed in the Iraq war at age 24. Army Spc. Casey Austin Sheehan became
an emblem of the era, with his mother’s dedication to espousing diplomacy and
ending foreign occupation. Her legacy lives on in the efforts and
organizations she led and co-founded, including Gold Star Families for
Peace and her “Camp Casey” vigils near the Texas home of George W. Bush,
resulting in the Camp Casey Peace Institute. Ms. Sheehan ran for Congress
in the San Francisco area on an antiwar platform.
Ms. Sheehan’s
alternative radio platform “Cindy Sheehan’s Soapbox” is the culmination of
innumerable speaking engagements, media appearances, published writings,
courageous public stances, audacious interruptions, global recognitions, and
numerous arrests, all of which have made her the first esteemed recipient of
this award.
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