A display of CodePink ribbon panels in the Cushwa-Leighton Library is promoting peace.
According to the display, the group is "a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, stop new wars and redirect … resources into health care, education, green jobs and other life-affirming activities."
"The CodePink Peace Ribbon is in the tradition of remembering those who have died or been injured," Cushwa-Leighton librarian Bob Hohl said.
According to Hohl, the display complements "The Aesthetics of War and Reconciliation" exhibition showing at the Moreau Art Galleries now until Feb. 25.
Hohl said this display continues and expands on last fall's display, which was about the life of Jane Addams.
"This semester, the CodePink exhibit and the series of talks by women peacemakers, continues to examine how we can continue the work and leadership of Jane Addams in establishing peace."
On the schedule of women peacemakers, Pat Hunt, co-chair of Chicago CodePink will speak on Feb. 9.
On Feb. 14, National Chair of Women's Actions for New Directions (WAND) Karen Jacob will speak.
According to Hohl, both lectures will be take place at the Cushwa-Leighton Library.
In addition, Barbara Gottschalk from Seeds of Peace will give a Feb. 23 public presentation entitled "Out Beyond Words: Building Seeds of Peace Worldwide."
Hohl said a Drumming Circle for peace and an open microphone for poetry, prose and thoughts for peace will wrap up the events March 4 in the Library.
"The display gives us the opportunity to reflect on something we seem to take for granted — peace," Saint Mary's junior Kelly Golden said. "Whether we have given up hope for peace in a world that seems so dominated by war, or whether we forget about it because our personal lives are running smoothly, it's healthy to be reminded that peace is still needed in the world."
Other students said it's not just the idea behind the display, but the display itself that generates emotion.
"The panels themselves are moving," junior Kim Jordan said. "Just to think that each one was hand created by women in remembrance of someone they knew and loved — that's powerful. Each one of the creators has been influenced by war or some other tragedy."
Hohl said the display is a way to remember survivors of war.
"Like the AIDS ribbon, it speaks to our heart and soul of the irreplaceable absence of persons loved and cherished by family and friends," he said. "It is a cry against those who would wage modern war."
