Republished from The Stirrer (28-05-2008), ‘a great hyperlocal – a forum for Birmingham and the Black Country’

All but arms manufacturers hope for ‘peace in our time’ and the Peace Garden conveys a powerful message.

Visitors will see many poignant features in the garden and messages of goodwill from other countries; 50 Hiroshima survivors presented a cherry tree.

Its beautiful railings were sculpted by Anuradha Patel and the archway of a bombed church’s tower has become the main entrance.

The Colonnade which used to be located near the Hall of Memory stands there now and holds plaques given by donors from many different countries.

The two photographs above were taken by superlative photographer Ell Brown, and were seen on the Birmingham History Forum’s Peace Garden thread.

International Conscientious Objectors day is celebrated there. Elizabeth Way writes that there have been over 80,000 conscientious objectors from World War 1 to the present time. She adds that the names of objectors through the ages were read out, starting with Maximillanus, beheaded for refusing to obey a military command on the 3rd century, including Israeli military personnel who refused to serve in Palestine and coming up to date with a Turkish objector to military service.

Veterans for Peace gather in the Peace Garden

People who have incurred sanctions for refusing to kill are regarded as cowards by some, but risking the scorn of others is not an easy road to take. Probably the most highly regarded objectors are those who joined the ambulance service and rescued combatants [on both sides] under fire, sharing the dangers but saving lives rather than taking them.

Three children and their teacher from nearby St Thomas’ school first had the idea of creating a peace garden on the bombsite and many others contributed funds or artefacts, including members of the armed forces and Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.

Birmingham City Council furthered the children’s project, commissioning the sculptor and maintaining the garden. It is in honour bound to maintain the site for the benefit of all those who visit it, from the city and its environs or from other countries.

 

 

 

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