Peace Education

Peace symbol – 50th Anniversary!

(APRIL, 2008 – Post)

The disarmament symbol

-history of the disarmament symbol subject to much speculation

-created in London 50 years ago ( April, 1958 ) by Gerald Holtom, a professional artist and graduate of the Royal College of Arts, British textile designer and conscientious objector.

-specifically designed for an anti-war protest (anti-nuclear movement)

-The symbol was first seen in public during the 1958 Aldermaston march and from that moment onwards became identified with CND and its objective of nuclear disarmament.

-The symbol itself is a mix of the military semaphore signals N — representing nuclear — and D — representing disarmament (semaphore alphabet). However, Holtom, a conscientious objector during the Second World War, subverted this use of semaphores by placing the D over the N, the “upside down logo” signifying his anti-military principles. Although there remain alternative stories explaining the logo, the letters and interviews of Gerald Holtom clearly demonstrate the roots of his idea.

-it has become one of the world’s enduring icons

-Feb. 21, 1958 the symbol was accepted by the Direct Action Committee Against Nuclear War.

-appeared around the world not only as a sign for nuclear disarmament but also as the international hallmark of peace.

THE FREEDOM OF THE PEACE SYMBOL

-deliberately never been copyrighted (and no intention of doing so). No one has to pay or to seek permission before they use it. A symbol of freedom, it is free for all.

Happy birthday, peace sign!

*This information is taken directly from these websites and has been compressed and compiled/edited by me:

http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/inspired/general/peace-sign-anniversary.html

http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/02/22/open-thread-50th-anniversary-of-the-peace-sign/

http://www.happybirthdaypeace.com/peace_education.cms

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1725762_1555846,00.html

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1725762_1555846,00.html