67 Naked Women form a Pro-Peace Message on March 16, 2003

On Sunday, March 16, 67 women from Arcata, California gathered at Elk Head in Trinidad to form a peace sign and spell the word LOVE with their bodies. The women came together to express their resolve to spread Peace and Love during this time of apparent impending war with Iraq.

“I got the idea to get some ladies together after seeing my friend’s web site www.BaringWitness.org,” said organizer Shirley Salzman of Arcata. “I thought it was a great idea for Arcata to add its voice to the Peace Movement.”

67 women ranging in ages from 4½ to 58 years came together from all around the Arcata area to express their desire for Peace and Love, not war and bombs with innocent lives lost. The women were from all walks of life: writers, artists, teachers, students, farmers, nurses, mothers, and just plain goddesses.

“We not afraid to bare our bodies if it will get more people to strive for Peace and not war,” said one woman who participated in the event. “We want people to wake up and stop this war before it starts and thousands of people lose their lives.”

Sunday’s Naked for Peace event followed Saturday’s Eureka Peace March and Rally, the largest in the city’s history. On Sunday, following the Naked for Peace event, many of the women participated in the candlelight vigil held on the Arcata Plaza to stand in solidarity with fellow Arcatians praying for Peace.