Kathy Kelly Win 2015 Peace Prize

The US Peace Memorial Foundation has awarded its 2015 Peace Prize to The Honorable Kathy F. Kelly for inspiring nonviolence and risking her own life and freedom for peace and the victims of war.  Michael Knox, Chair of the Foundation, presented the award on August 9 during an event to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the U.S. bombing of Nagasaki, at the site where the first atom bombs were built. In his remarks, Knox thanked Kelly for her service, great courage, and for all that she has sacrificed.  “Kathy Kelly is a consistent and clear voice for peace and nonviolence.  She is a national treasure and an inspiration to the world.” In response to her selection, Kelly said she was “grateful for the US Peace Memorial Foundation’s recognition of the realities about war and peace.”  She added: “The US Peace Memorial helps build a steadying influence, urging us to keep one foot planted amid people bearing the brunt of war, and one foot just as firmly planted amid those who nonviolently resist war making.  The US Peace Memorial Foundation helps us find our equilibrium, helps us rise.” In addition to receiving the 2015 Peace Prize, our highest honor, Kelly has also been designated as a Founding Member of the US Peace Memorial Foundation.  She joins previous Peace Prize recipients CODEPINK Women for Peace, Chelsea Manning, Medea Benjamin, Noam Chomsky, Dennis Kucinich, and Cindy Sheehan.  Nominees considered by the Board this year include Jodie Evans, Dr. Glenn D. Paige, Coleen Rowley, World Beyond War, and Ann Wright. The US Peace Memorial Foundation directs a nationwide effort to honor Americans who stand for peace by publishing the US Peace Registry, awarding an annual Peace Prize, and planning for the US Peace Memorial in Washington, DC.  We celebrate these role models to inspire other Americans to speak out against war and for peace.