News
Happy Birthday Peace
Last updated 23 March 07
It’s probably the most commonly used symbol of protest in the world. Instantly recognisable in Europe, America, Asia, Australasia and every point between both Poles as the universal sign for Peace, in 2008 it will be 50 years old.
To mark this occasion, we are launching a book that tells the remarkable story of how the symbol, which began as the official sign for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, became so universally popular.
As well as the book, we have launched a web site at www.happybirthdaypeace.com where members of the public can download examples of the symbol, and upload their own version of it, designed and coloured as they wish. The book combines the history of modern popular protest with a collection of some of those original drawings alongside those crerated by famous men and women.
Each contribution by a famous person will be collected and displayed in a travelling Happy Birthday Peace exhibition throughout 2008. At the end of the year each item will be auctioned, with the proceeds of their sale benefitting various peace related charities.
An international campaign will be built around the book inviting members of the public across the world to submit their own drawings of the symbol and their hopes for Peace, some of which will appear in the book.
We ask if you can contribute your own Peace symbol and message of Peace to the Happy Birthday Peace web site and the book.
It’s been half a century since the symbol—and hope for universal Peace—was born. Let’s celebrate this unique birthday and commit to spreading its message further.