By Terry Kaufmann and Leigh Ford

Volunteers and onlookers braved frigid temperatures to show their support for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) over the weekend of January 20th. Treaty Enforcers donned bright red suits and carried the flags of all 68 states parties who have ratified the Treaty to various locations across the state to increase awareness.
Celebrating TPNW in Pocatello by Amy O'Brien

In Boise on January 20th, Treaty Enforcers and supporters paraded to the Statehouse to take a stand against nuclear madness and celebrate the TPNW. Board member Julie Hoefnagels and Snake River Alliance member David Margolin gave impassioned speeches to onlookers and the media. Check out the Boise coverage in the Idaho Press HERE

On Saturday the 21st, members and friends of the Snake River Alliance in Pocatello gathered in Caldwell Park and then at the EBR-1 site at INL to celebrate. 

This Treaty, which entered into force on January 21st, 2021, calls for nuclear weapons to be outlawed and represents the will of 122 nations of the world. Organizations and individuals across the country and around the globe marked the day to spread support for nuclear abolition and lift the nuclear shadow that looms over the planet. Members wore red jumpsuits and hardhats, held colorful “NO NUKES” banners, and displayed flags symbolizing ratifying countries.

Although the US has not signed it, the Treaty still has compelling moral force. It addresses the humanitarian and environmental impacts of nuclear weapons.  

“There are only two possible endings to the story of nuclear weapons,” said Beatrice Fihn, director of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons and the recipient of the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize. “Either we end nuclear weapons, or they will us.”

Thank you so much to all who participated and came out to support the TPNW! It was bitterly cold, but your spirits kept us warm.

Celebrating the Treaty in Pocatello by Amy O'Brien.

Cover photo: ID Capitol March by Hallie-Davidson