Last weekend marked the 50th anniversary of the Ban the Bomb protest at the military airbase in Comox on Vancouver Island. Ten of the original protesters had a reunion in Roberts Creek.
Peter Light, one of the protesters from 1965, organized the reunion on the Coast. About 10 more activists from younger generations joined the original 10 for the weekend of communal activities and discussions.
Light said that the effects of the protest in 1965 are visible 50 years later.
“For many people, it was a turning point in their lives. They were young, suddenly they had concerns over the way society was going and they joined [the cause],” Light said. “It totally changed their lives. A number of people felt that.”
Fifty Ban the Bomb activists attempted to enter the military airbase in Comox on June 6, 1965 with the intention of dismantling it and converting it for peaceful purposes.
When they were stopped by police they sat down and, according to Light, “blocked the road to war” for 24 hours.
The protesters returned on Aug. 28 of that year and blocked all 14 entrances to the base.
The protest was in response to Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson’s decision to allow U.S. nuclear warheads on Canadian soil.
Light said it was good to reconnect with his fellow protesters last weekend.
“We’re all still progressives, we’re all still socially aware and socially conscious. We’re all still concerned citizens, whatever else we are doing,” Light said. “We’re actively protesting or living an alternative lifestyle or at least talking the talk, and for sure walking the walk.”
