Internationally renowned peace activist to walk in honour of Canada

Jesse-Blue Forrest will commence peace walk from Ottawa to Toronto on July 4th

OTTAWA, June 27, 2013 /CNW/ - Political activist Jesse-Blue Forrest is embarking on a walk of peace from Parliament Hill in Ottawa on July 4^th to Toronto's Ontario Legislative Buildings at Queen's Park, arriving July 22^nd. Forrest will walk over 400 kilometers in 19 days in honour of Canada as a leading peace nation. In addition to honouring Canada, Forrest's walk is also in thanks to Canada for being a land of asylum and peace, having granted him refuge in 1972 as an American war resistor.

"Canada is a leader of peace internationally", said Forrest. "I have come to know and love this country and have felt its acceptance in time of need. It is important to me to honour and thank the nation that offered me such support and safety for so many years."

Forrest is inviting all Canadians to join him at any point during his walk for peace. Through this walk, Forrest hopes to inspire and encourage all Canadians to reengage in their identity as a peacekeeping nation and to communicate to their local governments their desire to uphold Canada's reputation as a leader of peace in today's global political climate.

Forrest was drafted by the United States military to fight in the Vietnam War. As a young man, he consciously chose not to participate. After time spent in incarceration and several court marshals, in 1969 he departed from the military and lived underground for nearly three years. Finally in 1972 he arrived in Canada where he lived in exile for 26 years. Since then, he has gained his legal freedom and is now a dual citizen of Canada and the United States.

Today, Forrest works to bring awareness to the public about the right to choose peace over war, as well as works to terminate the military draft in the US and internationally through 'The People's Campaign to Abolish the Draft', a movement for the freedom to choose peace. Forrest is currently walking across the United States and back to gain awareness for this cause. On an international platform, Forrest recently traveled to India in March 2013 to retrace Gandhi's Salt March and honour the legendary leader, while speaking about peace, nonviolence and women's rights. Upon the completion of his Canadian walk, Forrest will return to America to continue his primary walk across the country.

About the Canadian Walk:

Jesse-Blue Forrest will appear at Parliament Hill's Centennial Flame on July 4^th at 10:00 am, officially commencing his walk at 1:00 pm. Forrest will also be making an appearance at the National War Museum as he exits Ottawa.

SOURCE: Centre of Circle Wisdom

For further information:

and interview/photo opportunities, please contact:

Jesse-Blue Forrest
[email protected]
1-540-849-8328
www.facebook.com/jesseblueforrest?fref=ts
www.facebook.com/AbolishTheDraft