STONEWALK 2004: BOSTON, MA to NEW YORK, NY.

MISSION STATEMENT

Peaceful Tomorrows and The Peace Abbey will invite families and friends of those touched by violence, veterans and their families, and members of communities along the way to participate in pulling the memorial stone (mounted on a specially-designed caisson) or simply joining the walk for an hour, a day, or more. In keeping with its nonpartisan mission, the group will ask all who participate to leave political signs and slogans at home, keeping their focus on the human costs of war, which transcend politics, nationality or religious affiliation.

In speaking events and public forums along the way, members of Peaceful Tomorrows and guests will:

• Remember and honor those who have died as a result of terrorism and war
• Bring civilian casualties to the forefront of public perception and discussion
• Connect the issue of US civilian casualties with those of others around the world.
• Call on all political candidates to consider the human costs of war in policymaking decisions

The memorial stone, which originated with The Peace Abbey in Sherborn, Massachusetts, was the centerpiece of an earlier Stonewalk in 1999, when it journeyed from Massachusetts to Arlington National Cemetery in a call for recognizing civilian casualties alongside their military counterparts.

"Terrorism and war are already defining the 21st century," said Peaceful Tomorrows' Co-Director David Potorti. "With public attention focused on both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions this summer, there is no better time for Americans to consider and to call for sensible, effective political policies which place a priority on principles of democracy and human rights. We are honored to join with the Peace Abbey in recognizing and honoring the human cost of war, and in exploring new directions for our nation, and our world, toward peaceful tomorrows for all." Potorti lost his brother, Jim, at the World Trade Center.