To: President Donald Trump
Honor peaceful compromise and the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis
In October 1962, through the wise restraint of the U.S. and Soviet leaders, the world narrowly escaped nuclear war during what is known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. Today, 50 years later, many young citizens have little or no knowledge of the import of this historical incident and many elders seem to have forgotten how close the planet came to a devastating nuclear holocaust.
Our nation traditionally celebrates days of great loss and victory in wartime, but ignores momentous events that result from the subtler workings of communication and compromise. Thus we, the undersigned, formally petition the United States government to establish an annually recognized National Day of Remembrance on October 28th, honoring the skillful diplomacy wielded by past world leaders. Furthermore, we petition that in this 50th anniversary year, the days between October 16th-28th (known as “The Thirteen Days”) be recognized as a time to work towards the further relinquishing of weapons of mass destruction. During these thirteen days, people of goodwill worldwide shall call upon current leaders of all nations now possessing nuclear weapons to act with similar common sense.
Our nation traditionally celebrates days of great loss and victory in wartime, but ignores momentous events that result from the subtler workings of communication and compromise. Thus we, the undersigned, formally petition the United States government to establish an annually recognized National Day of Remembrance on October 28th, honoring the skillful diplomacy wielded by past world leaders. Furthermore, we petition that in this 50th anniversary year, the days between October 16th-28th (known as “The Thirteen Days”) be recognized as a time to work towards the further relinquishing of weapons of mass destruction. During these thirteen days, people of goodwill worldwide shall call upon current leaders of all nations now possessing nuclear weapons to act with similar common sense.
Why is this important?
This petition urges the president to establish an annually recognized National Day of Remembrance on October 28th, honoring the laudable restraint of past world leaders resulting in the peaceful resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis 50 years ago. This day of remembrance is intended to encourage current global leaders to reject firmly and permanently the possibility of nuclear warfare, the consequences of which remain as devastating as they were in the height of the Cold War.