Memories of the Rainbow Warrior

IN 1985 I was doing an in pro per lawsuit against an agribusiness firm for chemical tresspass. I was also asked to a Greenpeace party in Chicago that I went to with my two young sons. I remember walking around the pier and thinking about the Rainbow Warrior. I was so sad to hear about the bombing. The photographer who was killed was an exceptional person, it was very sad to learn of it. A good friend of mine, Laura, was also a member of Greenpeace. She mountain-climbed up skyscrapers in Chicago to unfurl Greenpeace banners. She always wore mountain boots. She was killed in Washington DC. It was reported that it was an accident, that she was riding her bike and someone opened a car door which threw her out into traffic where she was killed. I still wonder if it was just an accident. She was a good and brave, and very young and innocent woman. I will always miss her. I will always miss the Rainbow Warrior. I have faith that life continues, and that justice will prevail. God Bless Everyone!

What can I said.
I loved Greenpeace since started, I contribute in the past, and spoke in SC to the Energy Regulatory Commission about the Problems in our Savannah River Plant, went to Atlanta do the same. Stopped contributing because money and health problems, will contact them again as my monetary problems have subsided.
I'm 67 years young, and always use in my clothing a bottom of Greenpeace to spread the word of Peace.
Long Live Greenpeace. Elvira in SC. USA,

My memories are covered with a lot of other criminal actions of the healthy- and wealthy-ones all over the world. As a matter of fact, I was really sick, some years ago on the day, France did their next atomic test in the Pazific - I live in AUSTRIA half the world far of it. And I found out later through radio, what happened and I knew: this was the reason for my sickness.
Our dog was afraid of all flying objects in the sky. We got her 1990 from Tunesia. In her genes was the fear of her ancestors having experienced an airraid in northen Africa during the world war. It's a tragedy that humans don't have that kind of genetic memory. I am 44 and I see, that it takes not even 10 years, 5 years, that you have to begin right from the start to teach the new generation about everything. Young teachers have no idea and no sensibility about what we have learned during the 70ties, not even the 80ties! And, dear Will King: Why does Mr. Bush not threaten France because of their atomic tests in the South Sea???

I was born in 1988 so i wasnt around when it actually took place. How ever my uncle, Brian Dellow, was around. Was lookin through some of my Dads old stuff the other day ( i live in England but Brian still lives in New Zealand) and i found a video tape of a TV interview with Brian. Aparantly he wrote a song about the whole incidentand there was actually a fair amount of publicity about it. Turns out it really quite affected him. Was wonderin if any one remembers it although i doubt it.

I walked the fence between good and evil. In 1985 I was working at the Nevada Proving Grounds for nuclear weapons testing. I was considered the local tree hugger but still I did my job. I often fought the battle of right and wrong in my conscience. Pandora’s box was open and I felt we, as a civilized nation had no alternative but develop the technology to stay ahead of other lesser nations. Were we more responsible than other countries? The short answer is yes but we are now suffering the price. The clean-ups in Oakridge, Tn. and Hanford, Wa., to name a very few, are testaments that we also made mistakes. But we are on the road to recovery whereas other places may never be recovered. I applaud the efforts of Green Peace in their efforts to protect those areas beyond the reach democratic regulations. Unfortunately, it was economics that stopped world testing but Green Peace brought it to the forefront. I was always opposed to ocean and atmospheric testing and I was saddened by France’s treachery against the Rainbow Warrior.

A few weeks ago, I went on a whale watch in Monterey Bay. How wonderful it was to see these magnificent animals swim peacefully in the deep waters. This is the ultimate testimony to the efforts of Green Peace. I now do environmental clean-up around the country from our earlier witless attitudes. Mostly with successful results but sometimes the ignorance proliferates. The good news is that we can achieve full recovery. Even if Green Peace can’t stop governments, it does well in presenting the problems to the world stage.

Thank You Green Peace.

I was born in '89, so I was never around when the Rainbow Warior was sunk. I know one thing, though. As soon as I am able to I will send in an aplication and hopefully become a Rainbow Warrior myself. Go Greenpeace!

I was nine when it happened, saw it on Newsround in Scotland, however the enormity of it all didnt hit me until 2002 when I lived in Auckland and experienced the reality.......Ban The Bomb CND

I remember the horror at the fact that a GOVERNMENT would do such a thing, and I remember being horrified at the "sentence" handed down. I remember wondering what sort of jails there were there, as the female French agent became pregnant while incarcerated, and the father was another French agent.

I remember thinking if it were my brother, father, son or friend who had been killed and this was the sentence handed down by the courts, that I would be very bitter. It has never left my mind, and I think of him regularly

I remember...I remember being shocked & hurt that such a thing could happen. I had always been so inspired by the bravery of the crew of the Rainbow Warrior. On that day, unfortunately, I was surrounded by people who didn't get it and thought that grounding these "terrorists" was a good thing. That shocked me even more that no one cared that someone had died for his beliefs and for our world. I read the article and saw the picture of Fernando Pereira & his then 8 yr. old daughter, Marelle. After the tears stopped flowing I printed this photo, framed it and placed it on my desk. Long live Fernando & thank you. Long live the Rainbow Warrior II and her courageous crew. Thank you and Godspeed.

twas a strange day///french frogmen ///military stances from all super powers who are up for nuclear testing///can they not remember what testing did to dear old mother in the cark days of the 60s////messy stuff//the people who sacrificed there lives may peace go with/// why dont they wake up realise that this little gem that floats in this vast universe will not sustane our selfish ways for much longer////drives me crazy ///i love u all //vegeterianism is the only way to go peace to everyone//michael mcmanus from glasgow//

Why isn't Greenpeace protesting Iran's or North Korea's budding nuclear programs? Or Pakistan's? Seems hypocritical to only protest against representative democracies.

I was a very excited 9 year old when the Rainbow Warrior was in Auckland Harbour and was going to be open to the public! Then the day before we were due to come down they blew it up! I cried. talk about making me more determined to fight even at nine years old.

If someone other than the French had been on the job, it would still be at the bottom of the ocean.

I have never heard it before I make a research about the use of web technologies in envirnmental organisations. It shock me really. And I think the Warrior is very powerful. I wish it will go better and better.

I was living in Brisbane Australia at the time when the news of the bombing came through. I was very angry that our peaceful country had a ship sunk this way. To then find out later the head of the French Govt had ordered this. The direction I chose to focus on was that I would make a dream come true one day of working for Greenpeace and on the Rainbow Warrior. This where I am writing this from now along side the Port in Hong Kong part of the "Asia Clean Energy Now" campaign. Dreams do come true. As I live mine so my children can now be free to live theirs when their time comes.
For anyone reading this who wants to make a difference write one email, one letter to your local Greenpeace office, a member of parliament in your country every bit helps. Maybe you can make your dream come true as I have.

Well,i wasnt quite yet living at the time of the rainbow warrior. But as a little kid i was always interested in water and sea creatures. Now im 14 and studying this signifigant event for a social studies assignment. Whwn i first heard about it at intermediate i was hurt. I kept asking myself WHY? why and how could anyone bomb such a beutiful icon for saving the world. now that i have found out a bit more i am deeply interested and will never forget how it effected people all over new zealand and the world.one thing that i truley belive in and respect is the saying "You can't sink a rainbow"

Shine on GreenPeace...

From lime green avondaylien
Ellen-Moana!!!!!!(moana=ocean/sea)

i wasnt born when the rainbow warrior was bombed, but i do have something to say. i think it is a beautiful thing that we keep the rainbow warrior alive, it is an internation symbol of peace and it shows all that we will not lie down and take it. we will stand up for our earth and every kiwi should blush with pride because of this. long live the rainbow.

Looking back the tima at the age of 55, we should always keep in mind, that what ever citizens movements can deliver it can be destroyed by any Government at any moment, because the movement is public, is known, is not a secret organsiation, is a benevolent organsiation, registred within the Governments. This is the diefference between groups and peoples working for greenpeace, and other side the secret fictive government secrecy, which can act at any moment against any and everything - and this even without fear. However, humankind, volontaries like this of Greenpeace merits all our respect, much more as the secret fictive government action which we and I have seen , with the Warrior, which again can see now in Iraq. We all must keep on to engage with the good path of Greenpeace, with the movements antiwar, but always keep in mind that you had and have a fictive government or even governments against you. Because this fictive Governments (each Government is fictive) are in place to protect the interest of capital , it is not a east decission to support direct groups like Greenpeace, but we all must support them. It is our commun world.
H. Duthel
www.philosophe.be

I wasn´t born yet. And I feel really bad about all the things that happend around the world.
I feel sad, about some people that just think about themselves, and forget our enviroment,some peolpe think "It doesn´t matter, it doesn´t care, we can get more"
It isn´t that, we have to think in our future, doing it in our present!!

I was still reeling from the loss of my best friend and her entire family, who had been killed in another act of terrorism, on the ill fated Air India flight one month earlier.
I do not know if it was the two combined, but I remember my reaction was that enough was enough. I had to join this group and work with them to change this world.
A few years later I did, and became a member of the action team.
That was a few years ago, but it changed my life forever.
My heart goes out to the families of the lost crew member, I hope they have found their peace with this. Now the rest of us must make sure that his death was not in vien and carry on with a fight that should be over by now. We should all be relaxing in the sun, breathing clean air and listening to all the sounds of a diverse habitat by now...

when I read on net pages,I am so sad and so angry,and I hope we hold hands toghter bring peace to earth!

i dont remember it as i wasn't born yet. i still feel the severity of the situation and greatly respect those doing something about it, you are my heros

Voila la grandeur de Miterrand.
Voila le pouvoir de l etat.
Ll gloir du crime

In Spain, when a football player is really bad, we say 'he could not make a goal to the rainbow'. That can be applied to other aspects of badness: the armies, obscure political interests, secret services, military industry... and obviously on July 10 1985 they didn't make a goal to the Rainbow (Warrior). On the contrary, they had to abandon the pitch and lost the match. Unfortunately, there are still many bad players around, but the Rainbow is still there, and bright as ever before. Safe trip home!

I was 26 at the time but now I am a children's author writing a book about the rainbow warrior incident for kids. I am interested in memories from anyone aged 10-16 at the time who was living in Auckland and can rembember the bombing.
Thanks

I was seven years old when the Rainbow Warrior was bombed and I remember my mother taking me into Auckland City, and we stood on the wharf, in amongst a crowd of horrified people and simply looked, in silence.

Throughout school I studied the work Greenpeace had done and was doing and the role the RW had played in this. The more I read, the prouder I became to be a part of this peaceful, nuclear free nation and everything we stood for.

Although I live overseas now, the Rainbow Warrior will always have a special place in my heart and when visitors remark on the original poster on my wall, I am always proud to tell the story of a country that came together in the aftermath of such violence and showed a strength of unity that came to define the New Zealand spirit.

eventhough i was still 3 years old back in 1985 and have no other acrivity back then, but now i'm so facinating with rainbow warrior. specially at the first time i saw it live on my country, its been one of a dream come true.. seeing a rainbow warrior is like watching a figther who is figth for the peace of the world. and hope we can still figth for greener world in the future along with the rainbow warrior..

Watching the video to the song commemorating the Rainbow Warrior does stir up a lot of feelings,both positive and negative.Although I dont have much memories of the bombing at the time,mainly because I was born in 1988.Negative feelings at how the french(or are they still denying it?),and Im not being judgemental or generalising the french.But to do something like this to an organisation that cleans up after results of mans insecurities is plainly disgusting.But positive feelings also swell,mostly pride.Im am proud that New Zealand is this way,to pass legislation declaring the land of kiwi nuclear-free makes me blush with pride actually.Kind of funny too.But to all those people that work towards improving humanity and the welfare of the world,to the Greenpeace organisation in New Zealand around the world,to the families and friends of Fernando Pereira and to Fernando Pereira himself-it is people like you who make me proud to be a kiwi,people like you who make the world a better place-and we all thank you.

The Nuclear Tests in the Pacific were a horror to me as I was still at High School in the Philippines where a Nuclear Reactor had apparently been built on a fault line! I didn't know about the fault line at the time but our excursion to the reactor with the concrete protection sphere too was like visiting the Space Oddysey computer, HAL! The proximity of the French test was perturbing, but to see reports of sea levels rising and dislodging entire islands' inhabitants was more concerning. I was angered by the sinking of the Rainbow warrior all the same. I hope to see the new ship in Newcastle tomorrow!

I LOVE GREENPEACE!WE LOVE THE NATURE AND THE WILD!

Your email was sent on the day of the(first) London tube bombings -another day of terrorism, supposed to rock the safety of that country and give thought to many others as to how vulnerable we all are.I recall the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior with great sadness and outrage. Go on Greenpeace with your wonderful mission.The whales need you,and the world needs you!

The first song I ever wrote was about the Rainbow Warrior I can't remember the lyrics perhaps I'll rewrite it I must have been seven at the time but I love GreenPeace

We both have different memories or the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior. Peter remembers being proud to wear his 'You can't sink a rainbow' t-shirt. Joy remembers being outraged but not surprised by the calousness of the bombing. Having met many years later we find we have the very same t-shirts in our political archives and are saddened that they are wearing out.

Over thirty years ago in Tasmania Joy was involved in provisioning a Greenpeace expedition which did not sail for a reason she forgets. But what she does remember is the willingness of Tasmanian businesses to contribute large quantities of provisions to Greenpeace. This anniversary is significant to many more people that we would ever imagine.

I remember when the newspapers carried the news of the bombing of the Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior. I was living in West Cornwall, UK, at the time, my daughter was 12 years old. We were both very shocked by the news.It was so unbelievable that anyone brave enough to take on the World about issues as important as nuclear war and saving the environment could be treated in this way. Carry on with your splendid work. Annette Hawkins.

With respect to all those involved. And still awaiting for french apologies.

My friend was so appalled at the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior (as we all were) that she was deterimened to support Greenpeace. Two years later she succeeded in starting The Harrogate Greenpeace Support Group which recently celebrated its 18th birthday. Over the 18 years the group has taken some part in all the UK campaigns and raised money tirelessly. We, as a group, are proud to have played a part in Greenpeace's numerous successes over the years.

i am a recent member of greenpeace .as an indian i,particularly from cochin i was always interested in ships.i remember rainbow warriors visit to cochin.all that iwould like to convey is a rainbow never dies.

I was in Toolangi, Victoria at our home in a shared community. It was snowing at the time and one of the heaviest snowfalls we had had in years. The night before my husband Tony Stevenson had been lecturing on green house emissions and global warming and alternative energy. The morning we heard the news he was heading off to check a wind generator he had installed on King Island.

When we woke to the news I remember feeling incredibly angered and overwhelmed. I realised what we were working for was a reality as there were conspiracies and that murder did happen and that we must be working for something worthwhile to have such enemies. It made me feel stronger about my awareness and instincts and the difference between right and wrong.

Sadly my husband died 2 months later and we lost another individual who gave so much to the cause at the time.

I have followed Greenpeace for 25 years; the most vivid memories that capture my imagination are the fight for the lives of whales and their slaughter by the Japanese and the unity when the Rainbow Warrior was bombed. I still have a poster I bought at the time of the bombing which was created and sold to raise funds to rebuild the new Rainbow Warrior. It is a picture of the boat with a rainbow behind it and titled "YOU CAN'T SINK A RAINBOW". Lynn

hi,
to bend and crawl for a cause is the passion and the responsibility which delivers positive outcome.
no,was not a cyber member then.
intensity to deliver global eco-system systematically in societies is a hard task.
next generation has to be involved with clarity of documentation.
aditya/eddy

I was 12 years old and was horrified when I heard the news. The Rainbow Warrior had seemed unstoppable - a voice against all the bad things that were happening in the world - and then it was gone.

I was 10 years old and I'v never heard about this sad incident.
we Appreciate the greenpeaces work and effort therefore we'll always support you and stand beside you as much as we can,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,god bless you.

I was a member of Greenpeace even back then and I remember this terrible event. I was both very sad and very very angry. Greenpeace stands for so much and just wants to make the world a better place. We paid an aweful price that day at the hands of terrible people just for loving our earth! Greenpeace is our hope and our heroes. Thank the Lord you "Can't sink a Rainbow" for very long - it only made us stronger. The Greenpeace organization is very brave and I'm am very proud of their work!

I just think the commitment of people like this is amazing.

I look forward to being freer of family commitments and hopefully I can be more hands on.

What an organistaion.

I remember being appalled that people would do this.

Yes I am sure it is right that it only fuelled peoples determination.

I have been reading with interest the interviews in the weekend paper supplement. This place in NZ where some of the original campaigners live sounds great.

Well Done. What a good reason to celebrate.

Sally

I was 15 years old and studying in school in Trivandrum, Kerala,in the south of India.I had of course, heard of greenpeace and followed up what ever news I could collect on their activities;but had no personal experience with them.The Rainbow Warrier was an icon for green activism for me; rather like the dove stands for World Peace.
I was really devastated by the news.I remember watching it on T.V, cold and shaking, goose bumps all over and hair standing on end.I do'nt think I can adequately describe how lost I felt.But when I read thru the other postings here, I realise there were so many others who felt the same....I feel a real sense of solidarity with them.Three years later,I figured out how to join in Greenpeaces' signature campaigns.
The campaign that I really worked the hardest for,was the one on Antarctica. I collected more than 500 signatures, talking to people personally about the issue, and sent the petition to Narasimha Rao, the then P.M.
I have gone on to become an ecologist and still support Greenpeace actively.That has become a lot easier now and even my 8 yr. old son joins in!
Hope floats and so does the Rainbow Warrior. It has been the proverbial Phoenix leading me on. keep sailing!

I have already posted my memories about the Rainbow Warrior.I am very exited now to the great number who is sending messages about the action.
In the name of all E-Activists(if I am allowed),we announce here that that attack was terrorist,and so we all condemn it.
Terror is mostly caused by those who consider themselves strong and hold the responsiblity to care about the world according to thier very personal way of vision.
Well that's the source of terror and they are the source of terror.Just mind all conflicts in the world,you ll surely notice how involed storng countries are in them.

And sometimes they fight nature.Ok,perhaps they tend to forget thier need to nature;TERROR AGAINST NATURE.You really feel sorry for unjust actions.But you should be very sure that JUST actions will always mark our history.

GreenPeace thank you.

My remenbrance is weak...probably because I was young... only 7 years old but I heard it on radio : they kep talking about that in france...I remenber distinctly the Name of the dead photographer Mr Pereira...probably because of is origin :portuguese like me!I wastruly shoked by the way he felt!At this time I was engaged in the preservation of whales...that is: I talked about the way they were killed to my relatives and friends!I wanted to save these innocents huge creaures...And I stael want them to be preserved from commercial interets!Thanks for this blog!

As a middle school student,I was 15 years old in 1985,I live in china.When I saw the Rainbow Warrior was wounded in the port from small TV,I remember it,and I will never forget it.

I was 16, in India - the city of Madras. The story made the front page. Disturbing news from a far-off land ...

Little did I know then that I would end up spending 4 eventful years of my life as a crew member on Greenpeace ships. The Warrior in particular was my home for 16 months.

Now, in my little cubicle in New York, at the United Nations Development Programme, my RW poster is my window to a host of memories - of intense times, beautiful / tearful / happy moments, and the bunch of very special people with whom I had the privilege to sail.

From being tear-gassed by the French navy, to little kids on open days giving you drawings of Greenpeace saving whales - to being part of the first vist of the Warrior to my home in India - all those memories help keep me sane here on land!

Peace,
Satish

I am old enough to remember that the bloody frogs bombed a civilian boat called the Rainbow Warrior . I support Greenpeace and all they have done and are doing for preserving some sanity on this planet. Good on you Greenpeace, may the spirit of all your supporters be with you .

Sam

I JUST REMEMBERED THE FACT, KEEP ON SAILING, GUYS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by the way , do you need a crew-member or cook on board ??? i can be that !!!

In 1985 I was only four years old, but I remember my parents were very concerned about the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior, and I understood a lot about the things they told me, I think.

I'm glad and proud for my parents being that kind of guys which feel/felt responsible for their childrens' future and the future of all the children and the future of earth itself. They had a great influence on my character so as a child I always was (and still am) the kind of girl that don't always says right and ok and is quiet about everything but talks and asks and thinks and takes action. That's what I learned from my parents and the Greenpeace movement. And besides, that gave me some hope, even in my childhood, that I wasn't alone, that there were people out there who care about the future of the young people. I had a picture of the world where politicians where hungry for power, wealth and a high social state (being in the media, on some events with the TV-Stars, wearing pearls and diamants ...) whereas the "Greenpeacer" where the honest and reasonable defenders of us all, the real "good people", the heroes. Sure, many things changed since than... I am 24 years old now and try to find my way through the everyday-jungle... but some things still are the same...

It's not a single campaign that changed my life, it's the movement itself. I don't think I would trust my own government the way I put my faith and trust in this organisation.

As a child I once set foot on one of the Greenpeace ships, I don't know where I put the photograph... well maybe it was a kind of "promo-tour", I remember we were on holidays, maybe the isle "Fehmarn", northcoast Germany I think, yes, well... That was the time I got in touch with all this and it seems it put a kind of magic on me...
Thank you Greenpeace for existing.

Best wishes to you out there and never stop!

- Tonina

PS: Now is a time where many of us live in fear of terrorist attacks. - It should not be forgotten, that back then in 1985 a legally elected government of a respected nation permitted or even instructed the bombing of an civilist ship and through it risked the wounding and death of unarmed people! That nation was european, not african, arabian or (south-)american ...

I'm french and I was only 13 years old when french governement sink the Rainbow warrior...At that time I didn't understand what really happened and why someone could and would harm an organisation like Greenpeace...an organistion that purpuse was to protect the earth...our planet. Now, I know that it would be very difficult for french people to change things about nuclear power, because we've been brainwashed for so many years that nuclear was the better and less damaging way for us. I know people who are really concerned about ecological issue, and therewhile still believe this kind of things...I really would like french governement to change his point of view, but nuclear electricity is a kind of monopole in France...and I suppose a really huge market...how to fight against this absurd system ? And what about all the nuclears "waste"... even worse, I don't knon if it's true, but I heard that our governenment should have resolve the problem of nuclears "waste" this year, and has delayed it for ten more years...how nice it is for the futur generation, leave them this insolved issue !!! Thanks grandpa thanks grandma !
If I have children maybe I would have to tell them how men spoile this planet so quickly
..." once apon a time the earth was a clean and beatiful planet..."

"Greenpeace", I don't always agree with your organisation, in fact maybe I 've been a little brainwashed too...how to be sure I am a free person... but I really think we need you more than ever...and french people maybe more than others countries...thanks for being here and for your determination whatever happens! I hope one day Greenpeace would receive French Governement apologies...and goods explanations...the second part would be more difficult...

I can't remember what I was doing when the Rainbow Warrior was bombed but I felt that my support to Greenpeace was and is always necessary to make a better world.

La barbarie del ataque al Rainbow Warrior, es una acto que se puede catalogar como terrorismo de Estado. Es una muestra como los gobiernos que se rasgan las vestiduras hablando contra el terrorismo, lo utilizan para defender sus intereses cuando los ven amenazados, intereses que en casi todas las ocasiones no son los intereses de las mayorías, si no de transnacionales del comercio que atentan contra la buena convivencia de los seres vivos de nuestro planeta. Claro ejemplo es lo que paso con el hundimiento del Rainbow Warrior y hoy pasa con el terrorismo de estado que está llevando a cabo el gobierno de Bush y sus aliados. Buenos recuerdos para los guerreros de la paz del Rainbow Warrior, necesarios para hacer la diferencia en este mundo donde lo superfluo parece en ocaciones, que se interpone ante los mercaderes del terror.

I was 24 years old in 1985, and I was not very concerned about it.I was going to get married,indeed.
When I have heard the news, I couldn´t believe my eyes. It was very shocked.
I don´t understand how people can react and think and how they don´t care about every thing that is happening now and had happened before.
But together, we can get what we need to, in order to leave our children or grandchildren a better world.
I work for Greenpeace now. I am really happy. I feel useful for my planet.

Yo tenia 20 años y recuerdo la tristeza que me produzco que se utilize la violencia en contra de gente que solo defiende la popsibilidad de que todos podamos vivir en un mundo mejor.
Gracias por hacer entender a mucha gente que el mundo es un bello lugar y nosotros deberiamos ser sus guardianes no sus destructores.
Gracias por decir en voz alta lo que muchos pensamos y por ser parte de esa pequeña conciencia mundial que esta naciendo y que no podran parar ni gobiernos ni corporaciones

Well, I never thoght France would do such a drastic handling for what greenpeace did measured, marketed on french nuclear test. I expected a harder attitude in Greenpeace, but not! Wales seem to be a bit more important than nuclear tests. I'm sorry, you are not too militant on struggle in the war for Earth to be in the future.
/roger

Si, me acuerdo bien... me costó creer que "eso" fuese obra de un gobierno democrático... y, lo que me dolió más, "socialista" (ahora parece que lo autorizó directamente Mitterrand - que hombre más extraño).

Que bombazo más criminal...
pero sobre todo, que estúpido...

Y que contraproducente para los [criminales, pero idiotas] que lo organizaron!

En fin, supongo que así avanza la historia.

Salut,

Toni Mantis

In 1985 I was living in Iran.

News about Greenpeace activities were barely achievable, but it came on TV as the Greenpeace Warrior was hit. It was a shock for me, I could not believe a country from which democracy arouse, which counts itself to the standard-bearer of freedom and human rights would bomb a nonarmed ship which claims for a peaceful world without mass destruction weapons in front of the eyes of the whole world!

It was the time of an eight year long war, which costs a half to one million peoples lives. I was witness to lots of young people dying for the stupidity of a couple of guys ruling the two countries. All the phrases about mechanic warship, keeping civilians off the fight are obsolete, when you see how many women, children and civil men die. No matter where war takes place, the weapons are made mostly in western countries, at least they export the death bringing technology, the harmfullest of which are nuclear weapons.

I have always admired the courage of people like the Greenpeace activists, who risk their lives and try to make this world better, safer and cleaner for the upcomming generations, and all of the nonviolent way.

I´m very happy to hear, the Greenpeace Warrior will be in action again and will support you however I can!

I remember every day as I still have a Rainbow Warrior poster on my kitchen wall where it has been for the last 20 odd years. (I wish I'd had it laminated now as I believe it's out of print and mine's covered in dust and stains but it still a talking point for visitors, as is my stained-glass "Save the Whale" decal on the fridge!)
That was the time when I was spurred into membership.
It was also at that time that I started to boycott everything French, and I've continued to do so.

"Couler le pacifisme dans le pacifique" fut peut-être l'ambition du chef de l'Etat Français, François Mitterrand, celle de son minitre de la Défense et de son état-major, neutraliser le rainbow warrior fut le mot d'ordre appliqué par les "taupes" plongeurs-mineurs et faux époux Turenge. La réalité est sordide avec la mort du photographe Fernando Pereira. J'effectuais à cette époque mon service militaire au sein des forces armées comme simple soldat. J'ai été profondément boulversé par cet accident et à partir de ce jour, je n'ai eu de cesse que de quitter cette armée-là capable maladroitement d'un acte monstrueux pour la raison d'État et l'avenir nucléaire de la France.
J'étais déjà sympathisant de Geenpeace auparavant ce dramatique épisode qui fait à la fois partie de l'histoire de votre mouvement mais aussi de cette république.
Il est temps de venir à bout de ces "grandes nations" pour retrouver l'humanité des individus.
Merci d'avoir aujourd'hui donné un retentissement à cette "affaire" pour que de tels sacrifices deviennent vains.
Le fait que rien ne soit parvenu à détruire l'ésprit démontre sa vaillance et la force qui continue à animer ceux qui,comme vous, croient qu'il est toujours temps d'agir pour que notre planète et ses occupants continue de réspirer en paix...

As a new Zealander I've lived in France for nearly 25 years so I well remember observing the Rainbow Warrior bombing incident from both the New Zealand and French point of view. I remember how the French news media was bent on tracking down the truth about who was responsible for the Rainbow Warrior bombing. What the French government committed against Greenpeace in 1985 stemmed from a political issue for which France as a nation was not responsible.

Now barely 20 years later the time has come for all nations to work together to preserve the ecological future of our entire planet. Long live Greenpeace!

I was 10 years old, living in New Zealand. It was my first taste of how mindless and nasty some countries and people can get when they come to defending their unEarthly endeavours. It also stirred me forward to make a difference - to stand up for what I believe in and to rally support wherever I can get it. The New Zealand public stood together in outcry - we must always remember that, especially when we vote!

Love, Light and Peace,
Diamond Tiger

Tragically, my memory of the Rainbow Warrior triggered another memory. In 1962 I was assigned to the staff of Joint Task Force 8 - Operation Dominic. This joint as well as allied exercise included the US, UK and French in the last open air nuclear weapons testing in my recollection. The French, UK and US forces were allied on Christmas Island for the tower drop, air drop and Polaris missile tests. Later at Johnson island high altitude missiles were tested = the Thor Agena series. During this time the ocean near the tests was under surveillance by US Navy P2V aircraft and other measures. I recall that a ship with a similar mission to what became the Rainbow Warrior mission was escorted from the restricted zones.
Does anyone remember the name of this ship and organization? They were treated with the same aggressive tactics as a Soviet Electronic snooper masquerading as a fishing trawler.

http://www.citymayors.com/orgs/mayors4peace.html
http://www.worldmayor.com/voting/nominations2005.html
On October 23,2002 in Mexico City, Cuba submitted its instrument of ratification for the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean, also known as the Treaty of Tlatelolco (previously signed on March 25th 1995)
http://www.opanal.org/opanal/Tlatelolco/America-i.gif

Je soutenais déjà les actions de Greenpeace, en particulier contre la politique nucléaire du gouvernement français, et j'ai été scandalisé à l'époque par cet acte de terrorisme d'état de la france.

Un point très important me semble à souligner :

C'est un gouvernement "socialiste" qui en 1985 a fait sauter le Rainbow Warrior et tué notre camarade Fernando Pereira.

Qui aurait imaginé qu'un gouvernement se réclamant d'idéaux progressistes de gauche ferait ce que jamais un gouvernement de droite n'avait encore osé faire : s'attaquer militairement à une organisation pacifiste et tuer un de ses membres.

De ce fait les socialistes et ceux qui les ont soutenu au gouvernement à cette époque portent une énorme responsabilité, en ayant dévoyé et trahi les idéaux progressistes. Ils ont d'ailleurs continué jusqu'à ce jour à défendre la politique nucléaire française, tout comme la politique coloniale d'ailleurs (Tahiti, Nouvelle-Calédonie, Guyane, etc...)

Il importe de ne jamais séparer la lutte pour l'environnement de son contexte politique.

Amicalement,

François

I was 19 years old.I star my studies at University in Biology, here in Portugal.I was already environmental activist from local NGO and I was shocked at the time.Specially by the fact that was the proper governammental authorities that paractised this act.
Rainbow still glows in our hearts.
Thanks Greenpeace Team.
http://bioterra.blogspot.com

My eleven year old twin son was a blazing Francophile at the time of the bombing. I showed him the news story about the bombing. He was profoundly disappointed in the French! At the same time he was moved that people he didn't know were risking and losing their lives to protect the environment of the world he was growing up in. He is now a devoted environmentalist.
The ship was lost, the battle won.
Lina Daukas

I was 29 when I kept following the incident on TV. I was living my happy twenties, having a steady job, I was young, healthy and beautiful.

But what was happening in the world made me allways sad and worried, and, of course still does. I remember I thought then: "How come a civilized culture country like France get into this kind of action? But honestly, I wasn't terribly suprized 'caus for years I had allready been aware that what is a country's glorious and beautiful image is not often the same as it's serious actions concerning nature, or it's people. With this I was then thinking for instance Brazil and the Amazonian jungle. Well, now about 20 % of the biggest and most unique part of nature has been demolished. I think it allready affects our climate.

I really hope they stop destroying the Amazonian jungle, I hope the countries in the world realize before it's too late that they have to start taking the nuclear threat much much more seriously. Shortly - I pray and wish they dont succeed in killing The Rainbow, and all the beauty that's left on our planet, The Blue Planet, the way "they" call it in the Universe.

Hello, strong and good friends of GREENPEACE all of you.

Fernando I bring back on the Rainbow Warrior.
The cruels dont mass with me anymore, I dont get me fooled again and us all not.

Peace and justibility for the world inclusive all the animals.

We will fight our fights AND WE WILL WIN.FOR SURE!!

Not the the cruels and malicious and the moneymakers.

I CONDEMN NUCLEAR TESTING(s), THERE ARE FAR MORE AND CHEAPER WAYS FOR INSTANCE SEE WEBSITE: www.johnsearl.com

High rendement-solar-cells, high rendement batteries for saving the energy -supplies from solar and hydrogyn, water-tide-energy, wind-energy.

But why do them crazy capitalists not invest in that energy.

WE HAVE TO BUILD UP NOT TO DESTROY OUR WORLD I SAY TO THEM CAPITALISTS, TO THE MEN IN POWER.

BLOODY SHAME TO THE FRENCH WHO KILLED FERNANDO.

I DEMAND THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT TO GIVE GREENPEACE
TWO BILLION EUROOS AND THAT'S AN ORDER.!!!!!!!!!!

CRIME IS CRIME AND WHO GAVE THE ORDERS AND THE RESPONSIBLE WHO DID THE ATTACK HAS TO BE TRIALED.
I AM DEADLY SERIOUS.

WE FIGHT FOR PEACE, NOT FOR WAR AND EXPLOITATION AND CRIME!

SIGNED,
JESUS CHRIST AND WIFE AND FRIENDS

I was coming up the riverbank of the Tittabawasse River in Midland, Michigan (Dow Chemical's corporate headquarters)and home for some of the highest dioxin levels in the country.
It was a very hot sunny day. Dow managed to lower the water level in the river via an upstream dam to make the journey to their effluent pipes as difficult as possible.The plan was to take the media up the river in boats to see the Greenpeace activists who after plugging the pipes had somehow chained themselves to the pipes? Amazing!
Because of the very low water level it took forever to reach our destination. Greenpeacers had to literally pull the media in Zodiacs with a rope.. sorta like the African Queen.I was surrounded by Greenpeace activists, local activists and media from all over the state and beyond.There was, as one would expect,a ton of Dow security folks but they chose to let Greenpeace occupy the pipes....for almost two weeks as I recall.
Greenpeace had successfully plugged Dow Chemical's discharge pipes using simple, inexpensive handmade wooden plugs. I think that Dow was angry and maybe a little embarassed that a small group of activists succeeded in shutting down their effluent. After all they are one of the biggest, badest chemical companies in the world.
We finally reached our destination. I and others walked to the pipe. It really was a difficult trip.We were walking in a river that was and still is highly contaminated with dioxins from Dow. It was hard not to think about the health consequences. I was a homemaker and a mother and could never have imagined that I would ever do such a so-called radical thing but I was so angry at Dow and myself. I naively brought my children to this highly contaminated place. I breast fed my son here only to learn that dioxins accumulate in breast milk.I had already tried the beauracracy route; countless hours of research,meetings and letters to the agencies, politicians, meetings with Dow and on and on.I finally realized that Dow's political influence (not good sound science) was the barrier.Greenpeace offered another way.By plugging Dow's effluent pipes they brought the issue to the public in a big way.It was out of Dow's control and it felt good to have so many good people helping.It's a very lonely feeling fighting a major corporation in a company town.
Before we left, local activist Terry Miller and I along with Ken, a Greepeace action guy from Toronto, held up a banner in the river. National Geographic and others took photos. Dow somehow (with media present) had an 'accidental' release of one of their chemicals that choked everyone up. Ken gave me a gas mask. Everyone was now ready to leave. I came up the riverbank, feeling good in many ways but really anxious to get home so I could take a shower.
Dudley Pearson from the Detroit News approaced me and asked if I had heard the news? I had not. He then told me that the Rainbow Warrior had been blown up in New Zealand. Those words took my breath away.I don't remember a lot of details after that except sitting on the ground with other Greepeace campaigners. We were all feeling a little sick and in shock.
So, today and every July 10th I remember The Rainbow Warrior and the very eventful day.

Thank you all who continue to fight for the right things.It gives me comfort to know you are there and you never give up.I wish I could be there with you.

Hugs and kisses to each and every one of you.

Diane Hebert
Midland,Michigan

It seems strength is not strong.Sufficient sometimes are just Courage and Resistance.GreenPeace have always been so.
I have not heard of the bombing;I was still a little boy.But I knew that there is some people who Try to protect to the planet,GreenPeace as such.You are doing a great work.Our Mission is to DO GREAT WORKS.I am proud of you.

In 1985 was ik juist 20 jaar getrouwd;dit maakt de herinnering aan het verlies van de Rainbow Warrior des te levendiger. Ik heb steeds, en dat doe ik nog, de activiteiten van Greenpeace gevolgd. Elke actie, hoe klein, ook krijgt mijn aandacht en steun. Jammer genoeg ben ik wat te oud geworden om nog actief mee te werken. Ik doe het dan maar passief. In ieder geval: dank voor Uw werk, zonder jullie was de geld-en machtshonger niet te stoppen !Doe voort, ik blijf steunen.
Guido Goeyvaerts

This is first time for me i heared about bombing and still not belive that france can do that coz always belive in this country which has as logo for freedom and egalitee.

Yo era joven entonces. Con el paso del tiempo, pensando sobre la ira y la contundencia de la acción de ellos, que por cierto son los que poseen las "armas de destrucción masiva" (!), me he dado cuenta de que el hecho de tomar conciencia les molesta. Y mucho. Les molesta a los que no ven la vida más allá que en términos económicos. Seguimos. Un saludo a los despiertos.

When I received the news of the Rainbow Warrior I was at a reunion with a group of 5 friends that I'd met travelling. One of these was a French girl, Gabrielle, who burst into tears and seemed inconsolable. The rest of us were deeply shocked but it was Gabrielle who changed her imminent travel plans for New Zealand. She told us how deeply shocked, embarrassed and ashamed she felt on behalf of all French people at this completely unjust act of violence against an International Symbol of Peace and also the invasion of another country's sovereignty. Last year Gabrielle called me from UNICEF before their pulling-out of Iraq and it was me who was inconsolable.

I was 21 at the time of the bombing. I have to admit I was not very aware of the world then but this captured me when I caught it on the news. I clearly remember feeling shocked at such an act; incensed that this should happen to an organisation that had the welfare of our planet at heart. It was then that I started to become interested in the ways of the world, especially the environment, and now continue to do my bit for the planet (however small that is in the realms of things.) So the bombing was awful but maybe it was not all in vain because something good came from it. I can't be the only person who looked up 20 years ago and recognised what a great job Greenpeace do. Hats off to the 'people who dare', may you long continue!!

Was I really 25?

Lesley called me at home early that July morning, "Cat, come in to the office now, don't watch the news, don't turn on the radio." The local press were camped out in front of the tiny GP office on A1A, and as I made my way to the door, one of the reporters I knew handed me a wire photo of the RW resting at an angle against the pier in Auckland. As the days and weeks went by, we were stunned to learn just how far a government would go to silence the international outcry for a nuclear free pacific.
To Pete, Martini, Bunny, Henk, Nathalie, Hanne, Davey, Andy, Benne, Brian, Steve, Kelly, Dykstra, Anne, Kay, Bruce, to all who have passed, to all who stride still, your perseverance and dedication to the earth is deeply appreciated and forever held dear -- not only to those of us who have had the honor to work with you, but also to these young folks who are clearly inspired by your actions.

Cheers,
Cat

I was 14 at the time. I remember being very shocked and saddened at such an unprovoked attack. I admired the Greenpeace members very much, and that incident (among many others) made me really sit up and take notice about what was going on in this planet that I live on. It made me horrified to realise what humans were doing to the environment and other species, and how they thought they were justified in doing what they did. Greenpeace made me realise that humans don't own this planet, we merely live on it. To me, the spirit of the Rainbow Warrior and her Crew will never fade away.

Para todos aqueles cuja luta interminável por um mundo melhor é prioriedade quotidiana!

Repúdio total pelo acto cobarde do Estado francês... o tempo não faz esquecer! O tempo relembra aqueles que lutam por esse mundo melhor!

Em Portugal há muita gente que vos apoia, talvez não da maneira mais eficaz, mas estamos com vocês.

abraços e muita força na continuação!!

That was the moment I joined Greenpeace,because i thourd it was enough abuse on the People of these Planet.Y was 27 Years old.Just these event made me understand that it was time to act.Lets go on like this and help each other in a global way.I wish you a good aniversary and greetings to all veterans of Greenpeace.Paolo Brunner

I was 21 & finishing off Uni. I wasn't as environmentally active then as I am now (I am GP active supporter), but I remember being shocked at the arrogance & violence of the French Government specifically in relation to this incident & generally in conducting nuclear tests in other people's back-yards - surely about as cowardly & destructive a thing as a government could do, short of actually making a nuclear attack (& we all know the only country to do _that_ don't we?).

The Rainbow Warrier was sunk the day after our third child was born. I remember it happening, and my feelings of outrage at the time. We have just been celebrating our son's 20th birthday today. He is now a very active campaigning member of the Scottish Green Party and his older sister is in Paris today in order to take part in tomorrow's Greenpeace action in commemoration of the event. Our family seems to be inextricably tied up with this extraordinary event.

I recall seeing a serious fight on one side the terrorist and the other side the Rainbow Warrior's crew fighting for survival .It was another inight in the human madness.I am now a greenpeace activist .

I was 6 years old. What I can remember clear in my head is watching the divers in the news taking out the body of the Brazilian photographer from the sank boat.
I followed the news and cried a lot when I found out he had a young daughter, a little girl just like I was.
It helped me understand sometimes those with the best intentions also get killed by those with the selfish ones.

I was with my new husband on our Alaskan parcel 120 miles from Fairbanks at the time of the Rainbow bombing. I didnt hear it on TV- I read it in a news paper on a monthly town trip. At the same time the talk in the north was a future Nuclear deflector missial system. Today as I write this- that missle site is operational.But, I dont feel safe. Did you know Agent Orange was used in clearing the way for the construction of the Alaskan pipe-line? The military bombs wilderness sites to practice on a regular basis. My husband has since died from cancer, as have many others from this region. Count me in- I am watching first hand the distruction of the last temprid rain forests, pollution of marine waters in the name of tourisim, and much more. I saw your ship in our harbor last year. I worked for forest service at the time and we were warned not to talk to you- about rain-forest logging.
A road out of this remote area surrounded by ice fields on 3-sides is being constructed at this time- large old growth trees are being stacked and burned. Trees hundreds of years old.
I now wish to join your efforts in working to save our planet. I have taught my 14 year old daughter well, and she wants to work in marine biology to save whales. How can I help?

I was 10 yrs old when my mum & dad told me the story about the bombing of the rainbow warrior.i know that the entire world environmental activist will nenver forget the memories of the man Fernando Pereira. may God contiune to strenthen Greenpeace for their good works.
Thanks
ChristopherAlafuro
port harcourt city,Nigeria

Rainbow worrier represents for me a fight for nature, when she was sunk, I was 23, I think I was travelling Turkey at the time. Of course I was shocked, and sad, and thought that this would be the end of Greenpeace. At 23 I was not naive, but still I was very disappointed by the lack of reactions from the rest of the world, to this terrorist attack performed by a European country. This was for me the reason to become a Greenpeace member.

I was only two years old when it happened. But when i first heard about it, i couldn`t believe it.
i think that anyone who wants to destroy a ship and kill an innocent man by doing so isn`t thinking straight.

I think Greenpeace is doing a wonderful job and i`ll keep supporting Greenpaece because of that.

I vaguely remember the bombing ,I was 19 and member in our school nature club . What I hope is that this situation must never be forget .I also remember that our shoolmaster told us a lot about Greenpeace during our shool's nature club meeting.

I was twenty five and thought it was a horrible thing to do unarmed enviornmentalists. Congratulations to GREENPEACE.

I remember seeing the rainbow warrior on the news as a child....it was always portrayed in a negative way...or thats how it felt. But she must take credit for awakening questions in young minds about the environment, because she opened up the whole idea we could effect our planet, to a whole generation.

I cried when she sank, i was still young and couldnt understand why anyone could use such a violent act against a ship which stood up for the well being of not only humans but all the occupants of our beautiful blue planet.

I was amazed it had been 20 years.....how the world has changed and how more aware we all are

I was 15, I remember it vaguely...I think media coverage was much more low key back then so it less of an impact back then, I was also brought up with parents who wouldn't care about such events...I think everyone's reaction would have greater impact now... I feel people have really had enough...stop the bullshit now!!!...I hope the media really grabs hold of this tragic anniversary and gives everyone's conscience a really big prick... love and peacexxx

Remember the bombing? For the truth - the bombing drive me to my way of live now.

I was 12 years at that time, live in a small town in Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. I saw the bombing in tv....and it shock me to cry. I remember I ask my Dad: Why some people want to risk their life for the environment?. Big mark for me at that time. My Dad try to axplain what is going on. His answer have open my mind that we need the Rainbow to keep sailing.

From that moment, I try to find more answer for my own question. Not enough yet - but drive to learn more and trained my self. That bombing - drive me to point my mind to the effort to save the earth. Eight years after the bombing - I am ready to work and dedicate my live to save our earth.

I will never forget that the bombing is my starting point. The bombing have open my eyes and my mind. Guiding me to the way of my live and work right now.

I thank you for keeping this memory alive.

Peace, Tanty

I had just completed my graduation and had started a small business when this dastardly act of the French Government took place. Black and white television had just made inroads into the lives of this small town called Bhubaneswar in a developing state in India. I first saw it in a small clipping in the evening news in the government sponsored channel. That was the first time I came to know about Greenpeace, but what a disgusting news through which to be introduced to something as wonderful a deed as peacefully demonstrating against the future annihilation of the humankind! I was shocked, saddened and angry. Even on the black and white screen I could visualize the red blood spilt by the detestable French government. I wished at that moment that I could be with the captain and the crew providing them support. The bravery and strength on mind and heart of the volunteers of Greenpeace had a lasting impression on my mind and heart. Then and there I decided to join Greenpeace. But I could not get any information from anyone in that small place as to how to join them and there was no one who could guide me also. Internet was not there at that time. However, I kept track of Greenpeace's missions through newspapers. About 15 years after the incident I met a person on the streets of Bangalore wearing a Greenpeace jacket. I approached him and came to know from him that Greenpeace has started its offices in India and that I could be a volunteer for the organisation. It was like a dream come true for me. I signed up as a supporter along with a friend of mine who was also very eager to join and ever since I have been involved in supporting almost all the missions through internet. The best news of my life was when I read in the newspapers that the shipbreaking yard to be constructed at the Kakinada port in Andhra Pradesh in India has been stopped by the state government. I was one of the supporters and I had written to the Andhra Pradesh government through Greenpeace. It was such a happy moment in my life that I called out to my 14 year old daughter and gave her the news and told her all about Greenpeace. I was also very happy when I received seeds of rare species of trees from planting from Greenpeace. I have preserved the seeds carefully with the intention to plant them on my own plot of land that I will be buying soon to build a small ecofriendly house.
Long live Greenpeace. Nobody can demoralise us and nothing can deter us; dastardly and cowardly acts like bombing of the Rainbow Warrior can only make us more determined to carry on the good work with renewed zeal and vigour. We are proud to be associated with you, Greenpeace.

I was 12 and lived on the West Coast, South Island, NZ.The friendliest boat in the world, docked in the harbour of the first country to take an active stance and declare its self Nuclear Free. That day NZ had its heart ripped out and the world was appaled.A complete violation of every thing that both Greenpeace and NZ were striving for. The loss of a life was one life to many. I still get emotional when I think about that day. In general the way the planet is treated makes me sad. Although it was a tradgedy, it bought a lot of international attention both to the sad state of the world and one of the few organisations on earth who actively try and change the way we mistreat the planet. I get to see the Rainbow Warrior when it docks in Newcastle, Australia later this month. I am taking my kids to see it. To me it is the single most importent vessel on the planet.

sad memories but memories to inspire me and many other people between the difference of good and bad.the bombing of the rainbow warrior has only made its spirit stronger. many thanks to the crew your supporters will all ways be with you. mark robertson

I was 2 years old when it happened but as far as i can remember i heared about the story when i was 8, and i cried from the bottom of my heart when my father told me about it while we were watching some tv show about the bombing of the the beautiful Rainbow. I didn't cry infront of him because of my pride but even my tough father tried to hide his tears from me. Maybe we were so sensitive, but i still wonder how could they do this to you guys , you are like the most peaceful people on earth.
They killed an innocent man, who tried to save the world.
I think the french government helped us to understand what every government is all about.
peace
Rodin

I was so depressed at the moment I heard the news when the Rainbow Warrior get bombed.
15 years old I realised how far some humans would go for more power and money. Destroy a peaceful ship with a peaceful mission. I was so sorry for the man who died there for peace.
Shame on the people who did that and on the people who gived the orders.
We should never give up in the mission for peace !

I don't remember it, but I did become an activist because of the nuclear testing the French were doing. Thank you Greenpeace, there is Hope.

Peace

I was nearly 14 when the Rainbow Warrior was sunk. I remember the event,but not all the details. Since then my family has supported Greenpeace and will continue to do so. The commitment and dedication of the Greenpeace activists has ensured that our world is changing for the better in many ways. Thank you

I am 57.Iwas studiing ecology during the two years 71 and 72. in 1976 I met many nice poeple all over New Zealand and I Will keep all my life this warm souvenir. When i heard the news of the bombing I could not believe it.I am French and since that day deeply sad...

I remember the deep shock,the sadness and my determination thinking that we,as citizens of the world must stand up to the evil official Governments are ready to carry out in order to follow their own private interests.Pereira is nowpart of my family,one more of my friends.I have been deprived of his life.I join his own family and friends at the immense loss they suffered.
Long life to Greenpeace and all those who work to help with their work

My memory of the bombing was that how can a nation fight a small ship? What did they hide from humanity?
From that moment I stopped drinking french wines and cognac, I would never in my life buy a french car. I just hated France from that moment.
Today, so many years after I have started to drink french wine and cognac but I still prefer to buy wine from other countries. The sinking of Raibow Warrior is still in my mind. And I have still not even been driving a french car.

I can only be thankfull for such brave people risking theyre lifes for us. It was horable hearing this on the news at the time.
Keep up the good work.

I born that year and the truth is that I didn't knew anything about the bombing until now. I think it's horrible the way that some people act. but we still have hope.. because there are some others that really worry and do something for save our world. THANKS!!
peace.
Clau.. (México)

When the "Raimbow Warrior"sink I was in a very strong activist gruop in Florence,Italy.
Even if the Greenpeace work may be considered as a sort of "pacific war" against the enemies of the Mother Earth, we was disappointed, as
many too many time from that day; from the blast of the last 5 french atomic bombs, to the 11 of september and to yesterday in London....
While we are "figthing" to save our world, many has still no food or chances for the theirs future.Others use bombs against the other people;
some by self, in bus, trains or palaces; others by aircraft or ships.
I want to tell you that the way is long, longer
than we supposed.Don't stop to love the Earth
and don't stop to "fight"to save her animals, forests,seas.Even if it is sad that the people has not jet learnig to love themselves.
Someone sayed that we are like a Virus and we are contaminating and destroing the Earth.
Another one says "if anyone will defend the Earth she will do it byself"!

I was visiting friends in Friedrichshafen in Southern Germany when the news came on the television. I happened to have membership forms for three organisations in my pocket that I had been thinking of joining for some time, and they were a bit dog eared. I got out my cheque book, and joined Green Peace, Friends of the Earth (Scotland) and the then Ecology party within the hour, on the basis that there were some very bad guys out there, and I wanted to be on the side of the good guys.
A month later the Ecology Party asked me to run the Edinburgh Branch, and the rest is history. I am now in my second term as co-leader of the Greens in the Scottish Parliament, ,and with 6 colleagues elected as well

I was 8, in this time i just obey what teacher said to me about how to writte, but now that i read every week about Activism in GreenPeace i know what a stupid things we can do. there is just one guilty (WE) and the people forget that we have just one world wich all have to live in. I was shocked about Atolón de Mururoa (French goverment with atomic test also) Can we someday stop this?.I hoop yes, but my country dont care about the world problem, sorry if this can help GO AHEAD BOYS,i will think about u all time.

GOD IS ALLES, NIET VERGET.

In 1985 I was 24yrs old and having my first baby ( Martyn who is now 19 yrs old and voted GREEN for the first time this year). I really was very saddened about the type of world I was bringing him into when I heard news of the bombing. He used to wear a rainbow jumper and my large extended family called him the "Little Rainbow Warrior". He is now grown and in him I see the next generation of powerful peacekeepers. The world is a very sad place but there is a new wave coming and Fernando Pereira did not die in vain. His death has only made these powerful young people even stronger-to fight for what they know is right.

i was 32 years old at that time and a mother of 3 healthy children, very much occupied with peace and nature, our environment! i am gratefull that greenpeace still continues to defend with us our rights and those of our children for the future...although often we are pictured as criminals by the officials! thank you! good luck and we will continue to be brave with you and thanks to you!!!
magdalena

How wonderful to see so many young people remembering the vile act in the death and sinking of the rainbow. I'm 68 and can still feel the sadness at our loss, but I believe that horrific act has furthered our determination to save our ecology.

ron/kathy

I was in 3rd form, 13years old, and I remember being amazed that the "Bombers" were being sent to "jail" on a beautiful Pacific Island. I hate to say it but from that day I boycoted buying anything made in France, and it has become a habit that I still cant shake.

Deep Horror, anger, sadness, these were my memories.
Terrorism can never win, it strengthens our resolve, it unites us.
Thankyou Greenpeace for all you have done, you are our knights on a mission which shall save us all, thankyou from the depths of my soul for all you do. And wherever you are Fernando, your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

according to TypeKey your site does not support this possibility??

I was 33 at the time, and remember hearing on the news about the sinking and the suggestion that the French secret service were behind it. I couldnt really believe that a government agency would do such a thing. I suppose that showed my niavity.! To my shame, I was never really involed in anything of any substance at that time. I have tried to make up for that now, taking action in different things and making my daughter (10) aware
of our world and the issues we need to tackle. She now is beginning to form her own views on these. I would be proud to think that she will carry on the fight for our world.

I was 27 years old, Just starting to get serious about life!
The sinking of the Rainbow Warrior brought home to me the seriouness of how far governments are prepared to go in order to address short term local issues. Even when they know they are creating long term Global problems. Today I am father to 3 children. I am always reminding them of thier responsibilities to ensure their children will be able to enjoy life as they do now!

It was 20 years ago, I was 16. I have not forgotten the shame and the feeling of betrayal I felt that day.
Shame for the the socialist French government from whom I had expected better. Was this what the social movement had come to?
State terrorism against freedom of speech.
It was a sad, sad day. But it taught many of us that whatever movement to better the life condition of humankind is doomed if it forgets the planet on which it is born and the respect of human rights.
Thank you Greenpeace.

I was in Egypt when this happend I sow it in TV it was a very very BAD memoy & Barabrian action from France ... Now the US doing a more Bad thing in Iraq & the Frensh it trying to stop Iqan from having this technology.
the frensh have to remeber this more & more before they say for some one STOP

I remember this but the rainbow is the future. Thanks

At that time I was a very active ecologist and member of a lot of environment foundations and -associations (which I still am). So I was very shocked that this was possible! From that time I do not trust the leaders of a country any more.

I remember the news but I'am happy today to realise more then ever that many people around the world really care for our Planet and DO something to save what can be saved!
THANK YOU to everybody who works positively and with an open hart!
WE and our Planet deserve all the efforts ;-)

I was 17 and don't remember what I was doing at the time, but I do remember being horrified and relieved in a way: 'luckily' it wasn't a single person's action by a lunatic, no, now at least the world could see that some countries are ruled by TERRORISTS who are capable of ordering the bombing of a peace-ship and even decorate as heroes those who fullfilled the order. These governments are a bigger threat to world-peace than the onces they now call terrorists themselves...

hi
i remeber new zealand letting the french terroist[sorry a terroist doesn't have a country] go for murder, so yesterday isent peter garret m.p. and sharon bird m.p. a picture of the rainbow warrior sunk in the harbour,
hi
you can kill us,but, on the beaches, in the air, on the land, we will never surender
martin the greenie

Je suis française, j'avais quinze ans lors de l'attentat terroriste de l'état français à l'encontre du rainbow warrior... C'est avec une profonde tristesse que j'ai vécu ces évènements. J'en ai gardé une grande méfiance vis à vis des agissements secret de mon gouvernement, comme de tous les gouvernements qui défendent l'idée de force de dissuasion par le nucléaire...Longue vie à Greenpeace.

I remember 20 years ago ... I remember the Rainbow Warrior ... I remember the attack and the disbelief, the unreality of it and then the realisation that there were people out there who didn't think the same as me, who didn't care about the amazing gift of life, who didn't respect this amazing planet we lived on. It still haunts me to this day that 20 years down the track, that after all we know, people will still attempt to improve their standing in the world by developing nuclear weapons - they have learnt nothing. But we, as environmental peacekeepers have ... we have our voice ... I have our passion ... we can achieve much through peace ... we don't need to make war to make ourselves better, at the expense of our planet ... we can band together, we can speak out and we prove that through supporting peace, through peaceful means can change the world. We are stronger than ever we were 20 years ago. We are just as determined and just as resourceful. We can all be Rainbow Warriors.

Today, when we are all affected by the terrorist attack in London, and as spanish, remembering also the terrorist attack in Madrid, I simply wish to remember you that the Rainbow Warrior also suffered a State's terrorist attack, just for defending peaceful ideas.

Please, hold your memorie alive!

The future is constructed with the memories of the past.

Use your memories to propagate the ideas of PEACE and JUSTICE around the world.

Good Lack!

It seems like only yesterday when the world stood still as the realisation that a "civilized" country such as france was capable of such an outrageous action. Just goes to show cant trust governments anywhere - its all rhetoric to appease the general public whilst they do exactly as they please. I applaud your bravery and loyalty to the cause - if only the "bad guys" could take their blinkers off and actually look at what is happening to their children, their countries, and their world. Keep up the great work in love and light

I wasn't born at the time it was bombed, but I've heard alot about it. It was a tragedy, that someone can be so cruel and violent as to attack and bomb a ship which is set out to bring peace and awareness, and kill a person. But, it's proof today that that tragedy has made Greenpeace and other organizations stronger and more widely known, and it's memory is a legend to us all.

Blessed Be.

It was one of those sad moments in history when you realise state terror has nothing to envy to non-governmental terrorism. The sinking of the Rainbow Warrior was definitely an act of terrorism, and those in the French government should be held accountable for it in front of a court of law. "Always look on the bright side of life", like any good monster, they just made us stronger.

This is more of a reflection than a memory. I'm reminded of a remark made by the Dalai Lama: If you think you're too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.

I really could not believe this had happened, and felt deeply ashamed for the government (I am half french). It made me much more aware of the political aspects of the work of Greenpeace. Also if they start to use violence it really means the establishment feels threathened, which in a way is a sign of succes.

I recall the horror of the sinking of Rainbow warrior and the death of Fernando Pereira.I hope his family know the depth of feeling that the caring world has for his sacrifice ina just cause.
Recently a member of the French Government said they had done some regretable things in connection with this tragedy.Has the family ever received an official apology from today's representatives??-it would be about time ifnot.
I wonder what happened to the perpertators ?(who were basically released after transfer back to France as I recall)and how they feel now?
All the best for the future projects.

I was about 15 at that time and remember the feeling of the shock and the insanity of it all...remember the news bulletin so vividly - while I was at this boarding school. I learnt more about Greenpeace then and wanted to be part of Greenpeace ever since then.

I remember seeing these images from a helicopter showing the nuclear bombing being done in these water. I could not comprehend or able to take in the information how could the french do somethings like that...using Aus/New Zealand waters - so far away from their country and sod all about the peaple and wildlife in the southern hemisphere. I was so horrified thinking, 'What? The french? They are doing that? The french?'

It was at that time - I realised that the world is not safe and needed to be looked after by real people not relying or trusting our own government too much, and knowing now - that this neighbouring government - using secret services - as an act of terrist/war onto such a peaceful ship....Now...I've just learnt this french government has given medals to these secret services...for bombing such a peace ship and for killing a man and for using weapons that simply was made for war...

peace and hope for the future

I was born in 1985(the time of the bombing). It was not until last week that i got to learn about the bombing in New Zealand in a documentary on Fiji t.v. I am a Geography student at the University of the South Pacific in suva(Fiji) and I fully understand the contemporary environmental issues regarding the socalled 'powerful' nations of the world who exploit the natural resources and pollute our environment. I truly believe in and support the work of Green Peace and I believe that everyone should; sometimes I wish I could join such organisations and travel the world, see places and make sure that they are protected. I believe a simple thought like that can urge people to take care of our planet. Finally, to the Green Peace Crew: "I WISH YOU WELL IN YOUR EFFORTS". Thank You.

Even though i was only 4 when tha terrible bombing happened my father used to tell me the whole story. I am sorry to say that Man really has become a fanatic with no concern what so ever, for nature or fellow humans.
God Bless and God Save

I was just 6 at the time, yet i remember the news bulletins vividly. I remember how horrified i was by such brutality occurring, and i remember my mother telling me i had just learned my first and hardest lesson about humanity...

Suffice to say that horrors like that have shaped the person i am today. I am determnied that such deaths, while unneccessary, will not be in vain.

Peace

There was a note at the newspaper with a black and white picture: someone had bombed the ship to avoid protesting against nuclear bombing tests. It was(is) madness to try to stop a peaceful movement with violence! I mean: why would someone be so violent against a person who wants peace? How can someone think he/she will stop an idea with such action? The rainbow warrior and Fernando Pereira just became icons of peace ideals!

in 1985 i wasn't born im 3years old in that time.but im horrified and angry when i hear that.I can't remember when I knew about the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior,but anyway, it made me understand that we must fight and dont to save the earth.

Outrage,grief, disappointment and disgust were salved only by the gratitude and hope that rested with the fallen warriors and "Warrior"."They" crucified Jesus and persecuted so many of the great teachers too. This tactic only served to empower each cause.
Thank you "Warrior" and warriors. We love you. Jennifer.

ku selalu berharap dunia ini tetap hijau dan segar dalam kedamaian,go greenpeace go, never give up. without you i don't know ,what will be heaven with this planet...

At those moment I was carried out my examination in Padjadajaran University Bandung West Java Indonesia. I got the news from television and was shocked at the moment. Cause I never thought that France Government (military) will use the violence to halt the campaign of the enviromental organisation. The next day the scandal became the topic of conversation in my campus. Some people wrote letter protes to embassy of France in Jakarta through the local news paper.

I remember that horror,and that fact made me decide to join greenpeace and became a member,
trying to make the diference.

After working for several years in Canada, we hurriedly returned home to Australia with our three children because radioactive fall-out from Russian and American bomb tests was affecting the health of a number of Canadian children. Unfortunately, we returned just in time to receive the French fall-out.

I remember the savage attack made on the Rainbow Warrior by this self-styled civilized nation and wished I'd been an active member of Greenpeace at the time. I have been a supporter ever since.

In Melbourne Australian, at our local coffee shop, we sat in horror and disbelief as we listened to news of the 1985 Rainbow warrior bombing... Tears streaming down our faces - with shock, frustration and anger at the injustice - wanting to shout yell ! - NO! THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE!... heart pounding, intense, reaching out to save.. too late... damage done...

An old song of Joan Baez comes to mind:

When will they ever learn? oh when will they... ever learn.... capitalism breeds greed and evil

Power to Greenpeace - best we can all do is stay active, united and supportive members in any way we can... numbers do make a difference - if we want Peace - stay active........ and don't buy the products....

In memory - we light the Candle of Peace..... A.

Y remember, but don't remember what I was doing that day, probably studying. It was shocking and revolting, but not enough to start a portuguese movement to honor one of the rainbow warrior heroes. It was a terrorist act that makes me think that many others are still made by governments, but the news never talk about them as terrorism.
Sou português mas como em Portugal não há GREENPEACE, sou membro do GREENPEACE - ESPAÑA, and I'll always be fighting for environment against destructive financial activities.

I remember the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior. It rocked my world. I felt that there must be a huge, angry, crazy majority of people out there if France could be behind this terrible act of violence. France, one of the most "civilised" of countries, champions of liberty and truth. Now, 20 years on, I know that there are many more people of good will in this world. Most people want peace and do not support these acts of terrorism. There is so much fear-mongering in the world, it is easy to be afraid, and easy to believe that the only way to respond to violence is with violence. But we know that doesn't work. It never has. And we know there is another way - peace. Cultivate peace within yourself. Be brave and believe in peace, and we will overcome fear and violence. Greenpeace has always been such a shining light.

I was 12, at home in rural Ireland. I remember images of a green ship, listing to one side in a harbour at the other side of the world. I didn't understand all the details, but it struck me as a terrible wrong. I was appalled that unarmed people were who were doing a good thing had been attacked by soldiers supposedly representing the French government - and perhaps the French people too. Perhaps it was one of those realisations that hails the beginning of adolescence, and the loss of childlike innocence.

i'll never forget that day and the bravery shown by those Greenpeace members and the passion they showed for their cause - good on you! i'll keep supporting Greenpeace forever.

I was amazed that a country like France would actually carry out an act of war on a peace vessel. It beggared belief.

The Japanese defiance against world opinion in their arrogant statement to continue whaling when and where they please, reminds me of the arrogance of the French at that time. Just where do they get off?

i did not know about the bombing and the nuclear testing but it sounds awfull and i will remeber fernardo pereira and he was very brave standing up to the testing people who were poluting the wrold

I had lived in NZ for a number of years albeit being an Australian. In 1985 I had returned from Overseas and was back in Sydney. I recall the shock of the attack on the Greenpeace Ship but I think the enfolding story about who was behind it was even more of a shock. I have read the book and of course have to praise the ABC and Chris Masters for their indepth program "French Connections" in 2001. No-one who was around then has forgotten. I will be remembering on the 10th July 2005.

En ese tiempo,acababa de tener a mi segundo bebe,en Mexico todavia teniamos presente le fuerte explosion en San Juanico, en donde familias enteras simplemente desaparecieron, hubo muchos muertos y como siempre nunca se tienen la cifras exactas de la catastrofe, asi que no me reponia de esto cuando me entere de este ataque contra el barco de Greenpeace, entonces no habia la facilidad de comunicarse por internet, y las manifestaciones activistas no pasaban de ser mas que un mitin del que pocos se enteraban pues los medios de comunicacion NO le daban importancia.
Hoy en dia somos muchos en esta tierra y finalmente los medios le dan su justa importancia y hoy por hoy si somos noticia y quisiera que fueramos muchos mas para defender a este planeta de los que se empeñan en destruirlo, como si tuvieramos otro para simplemente poder cambiarse como si nada.

Que este aniversario sea todo lo que USTEDES SE MERECEN y que el Gran Arquitecto del Universo los bendiga y los ayude, como a todo ser que viva en armonia con la naturaleza.

Paz a todos.

Guadalupe (desde Mexico)

love and peace, everywhere for everyone.

Recuerdo que aquel hecho trágico me decidió a ingresar en Greenpeace como socio. Y no he olvidado mi cólera ante el hecho demostrado que, cuando el terrorismo es obra del estado, los culpables no pagan sus culpas. Quienes volaron el Rainbow Warrior, unos han muerto de viejos, otros son ahora viejos, pero ninguno pagó realmente su crimen. No lo olvidemos jamás. Fue un acto terrorista perpetrado por terroristas.

I was only five at the time of the Rainbow Warrior bombing but I remember it vividly. My family was involved in the Nuclear Free Pacific Movement for many years when I was young, one of my earliest memories is of going to protest an American Nuclear War Ship coming into Port in Tauranga. We all stood around the base of Mt Maunganui (Mauao) waving banners and singing songs. Our bunk beds were plastered with Nuclear Free NZ stickers and we all wore T-Shirts that said "If Its So Safe Why Dont You Test It In Paris?" It was an era and a movement that shaped my childhood and indeed my future. Being part of it is something I will always remember.
New Zealands Nuclear Free Policy is one of the things that makes me so proud to be a Kiwi and I sincerely hope it will always stay that way!

Kia Kaha
Arohanui

I don't rememmber the boat but good luck Green Peace!!

When I heard the news of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior I thought what a cowardous. To sink a ship on a mission of Peace is totally unacceptable. The family of Fernado in this greive should look at him as on a mission and he is death achieved so much. Such a terrible sacrifice.

Yes. I remember very well when the Rainbow Warrior was bombed. You and your men really are great heros.The saviors of our contemporary world. God bless you. Gabriel Azevedo y Uribe Ángel.

I remember my anger, frustration and also the grief at the death of Fernando Pereira. I have been involved in environmental issues ever since.

I am old enough to remember the dreadful attack on the Rainbow warrior - the ship that was a significant sign of the Greenpeace movement. It opened my eyes and made me realize that there are powerful enemies against the strong and brave efforts that are made every day of all the committed active people of Greenpeace - I would say it was the first terror attack on innocent people and it shocked me deeply. It made me determined to stay on as a member for lifetime and I still don´t drink french wine...
Keep on the good work!
Gabrielle in Sweden

I`m very sorry for remembering this tragedy.I hope don`t happen another one ever again.From my country,Venezuela,I`m with you and with the World,friends of Greenpeace...

Yea I remember,

Sad days but we are still here. Got to say we are stronger and with a bit of a push we can realy hammer these tyrants, dam lets push them hard. As a South Afrcan I have lived through a S-Load of c-rap, enviromentally these guys are trying, inland & costal the have got no concience and are just fu-ing as much as they can greedilly profit from.

Dam sure if they bully the world into accepting the slaughter of our elephants in the Kruger Park we will once again show them that Rainbow Worrior sails not only on water.

All Passionate Guides from the Kruger Park will stand with us. Dont believe the c- rap the tell you .... Come help us we need you...

Doug Wagner
Kruger Park Guide
South Africa

It made me hope :)

It was the attack on the Rainbow Warrior by French agents that woke me up from the naive "green" ideas I had at the time. Our enemies, I discovered, were not obscure criminals and mafias, but often our own governments and businesses.

The sinking of the Rainbow Warrior helped me, like it did many others, become the commited environmentalist I am today. Fernando Pereira's death was not in vain.

From Mexico City and San Francisco, thank you for the inspiration.

I remember the bombing very well and it made me a Greenpeace fan.

I remember the bombing, I was appalled that such a thing could happen. I have always protested against nuclear weapons it made us stronger, made me feel sure that if this is the effect protesting had it was right to do it, to ensure that they were stopped. You definately Can't Sink a Rainbow.

July 10, 1985 I was one year out of college, and two years married, working as a water safety instructor/ aquatics manager for the Tucson YWCA.
New Zealand seemed on the other side of the world. But the impact of a national government sending their DSG to assault a civilian vessel touched me. It reminded me of the war of 1812, where the US had to go to war to get the British to stop pressing our merchant sailors into service of the crown. CCN carried the news, the Networks did thier sound bites, but unless you were active in Greenpeace, or a student of history, or the son of son of a sailor few remember.

If you were asked could you remember John A. Phillips, Ph.d? I didn't think so. Open your eyes, step back and look at the world. Not just greenpeace. Remember the sacrifices that many people have made for peace. Many more have suffered than you know. Ask Henry Wu, he could tell you of the millions who have suffered under the chinese communists in their nuclear program.

We see our own lives as a collection of postcards, from our memory. Imagine a library of a million collections. A million million memories, more to learn from than would fit a lifetime. If we spent more time teaching, and learning from each other than what time would we have to build bombs?

Teach Peace, Give Love

At this time, I was not born !

Rainbow warrior is like a legend for me...

Just here, some words to say thanks and good luck to GREENPEACE !

Florent.N, France

;-)

I was born in the 84 so nonmemory nothing of the happened thing, but of all ways I think that it is a badness which this one people is
doing against you, when not letting expose them its ideas exactly,
mios friends, I say from since they can tell my support yet them, from I complete place of the world, Chile, them shipment all my forces so that together we fight and we obtain La
Paz.

I remember.
That day, innocence was lost.
Mine and those who believed we could speak our minds in protest and still be safe.
We saw our naivety shatter with the bomb's explosion.
We felt our hearts break at the loss of life and his family's anguish.
We exposed the cruelty of which they were capable.
We discovered an outrage that was beyond what we believed of ourselves.
But most of all, we learned that we could never give up, never let our guard down, and that the fight had just begun.

I´m from Mexico and I was a child in 1985 but now that I read the mail that the captain Pete send to me I´m very proud of them and I want to send to all that people who is keeping the Rainbow Warrior alive
blessings and my best wishes, I´m very shure that the faith and the good actions will prevail at the end, thank you four your courage and persistence...
God bless you always.

Hello wasn't bort in 1985 i'm very interested in this history you told me in the email but my english is not very well... I'm spanish and i'm very interested in helping to build a new and better for the future.
ome french agents has killed anyone is something horible are them in prision?
Can any one tell me the history in spanish please?????
Answer to: juanobanano5@msn.com

Well, at that time i lived in Berlin-Kreuzberg, and we were fighting against the wall in Berlin and People were occupying houses because they stood empty, they were too expensive to live in. We fighted for lesbians and gays - we fighted for a freeer Live in a big city -and for peace that the wall should disappear. I travelled a lot to other countries e.g. Danmark, Holland where also the same was going on - free people with free minds. It was great and it was so good to know that we're all fighting for the same goals. Nowadays I think many people they don't know for what they should fight. Not for Peace in a World of War. But Greenpeace was the great thing, everybody were thinking of to that time. I think greenpeace is very important - to see people doing the right thing to the right time even when it gets difficult. So let us give the fighting feeling to others who don't know for what they are fighting for. Power to Greenpeace

I was 13 when the bombing happened, and just becoming interested in environmental issues. The events shocked me particularly as this was an act sanctioned by a government. However, the bombing did inspire me to try to do what I can for the environment and for the right to protest peacefully. I hope that it had a similar effect on others and that the loss of life may have helped to save others.

I don't remember the bombing, cause I was too young. But today is also a day to regret all kind of bombings. Today another attack was made to innocent people in London, like was the Rainbow bombing, 20 years ago.
We must still fight against all the selfish, ignorant people, that doesn't care about anyone or anything besides themselves.
Força Greenpeace!

Daysi - Portugal

The 20th anniversary of the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior is very emotional for me. At the time I was expecting my son and I was horrified when I heard the news. This year my son is 20 and so much has happened in the world. It is particularly poignant that it is also the 20th anniversary of Live Aid and the year we hope to make poverty history. Today is also sadly the day that many people have been killed by bombs in LOndon. Let us work together for a better future for our children.

By this time, I was 18 and was going to start my universitary studies. I can't remember when I knew about the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior, but, anyway, it made me undestand that if a governement was able to arrive to this extreme attitude, the work of Greenpeace was (and still is) worth to be done.

Thanks to you all!

I was 11 years old when it happened and I was so shocked about things like this could happen! That's when I decided to live a good life and be part of the world and later on also be part of Greenpeace. Now I'm 31 and still a member of Greenpeace and still shocked about those things that are happening. So Greenpeace and all of you out there keep up the good work! There will come a day...

I was pregnant at that time and was very shocked that this could happen. Later on we heard that it was done by French agents and that was very hard to understand! I'm still very angry about that and can imagine how very, very angry the family of Fernando Pereira was and probably still is. But maybe they could forgive...

I have always been concerned about the environment and the way people treat the world is despicable! When I first heard about Greenpeace and the things they do, I have always tried to get involved and learn more about what I can do, myself. When I first read about The Rainbow Warrior, I was devastated to here how the government really is. It hurts my heart to hear when good people, that are just trying to help Mother Nature and secure this beautiful world for our future children, are hurt and treated unfairly. What the French did destroying The Rainbow Warrior, just shows that they know what they are doing is WRONG!!! They really made a statement then...
I give my prayers and thoughts to the people on the Warrior and to anyone who supports Mother Nature!
To Peace, Love, and The World

I wasnt even born at that time but my parents have told me about it. I'm sorry the crewmember died but at least his death lead to something good. It was a very brave thing to do and I'm grateful to what you did.

No recuerdo exactamente el Rainbow Warrior, pero si recuerdo los experimentos que hizo Francia en aquellas remotas islas. Entro a Google para buscar información en "español" y a cada link que ingreso figura : Not page found; extraño no?
Bueno igual sé que los poderosos en su infinita indolencia y falta de humanidad no se dan cuenta que estan destruyendo nuestra único hogar.

I don't remember the case of The Rainbow Warrior but I remember the French nuclear experiments
I've tried to look for a report in Spanish about that specific even with the Rainbow warrior but each time I clicked in some link the answer is the same: Not page found" it is strange, isn't it?
I only know that those powerful men don't think that they are killing our only home!

I'm 26, so I was 6 when it happened. I remember. I was brought up by a pair of greenpeace activists and fond memories of youth include a huge fibre glass sperm whale (used for protests) which was stored in our back yard.

Having just heard the news of the bombings in london, in spite of growing up on a planet full of cruelty, I'm still always shocked that my fellow human beings can do these things to one another.

I hope that children growing up now can understand the things going on without getting negative and down trodden and that in the future children might grow up in a world where humans don't have to hurt one another and the other beings that we share this planet with.

In that time I was just 11 years old but I never heard about this sad story and is the first time to hear it.
I am from Albania and in that time we were under communism regime and was so hard for us to hear such stories from outside our country.
I am very sorry for what hepened in that time, and I hope that this kind of events will not hapen never.
I will tell this story to my friends and I hope that that story will be remembered even after 200 years and not only 20 years.

After seeing it on the news i thought...They sank the rainbow warrior? Why on earth for?

I was a member of Greenpeace and had always supported their work. That winter of 1985 I was looking for a temporary job in Washington DC and saw their ad for canvassers. I went down to interview and ended up working for almost 3 months there. In 1986 I moved to Seattle and worked with the Seattle canvass office for 3 years. The "Rainbow Warrior" was one of my strongest inspirations, and I was so proud to be a part of not only its mission, but all of Greenpeace's missions.

I don't remember the bombing. But I clearly remember the day I saw a movie on that subject and how shocked I was when my mum told me that the fact where true!!!

I remember hearing of the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior. I was almost 16 at the time and active in conservation issues. I recall feeling horribly sick at the loss of the life of a crew member and how angry I was that anyone would use violent means against a non-violent symbol as the dove with olive branch of peace. There is no justification for the loss of life. May Greenpeace continue to make the media, in all its forms, stand up and take notice by continuing its quest for conservation and may the world respond to the white dove.

When Rainbow Warrior was bombed in 1985 my husband, son and I were about to move in with friends who had a beautiful 16th century farmhouse in Suffolk. All of us were active in the anti-nuclear movement, and our opportunity to help Greenpeace soon arrived, when crew members needed a place to store inflatables for an action at Sizewell, where a Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) was being constructed. We may not have been able to stop that one, but the 11 others that Margaret Thatcher and the British Govt. wanted to build never got off the drawing board, and I proudly wear my black Tshirt, emblazoned YOU CAN'T SINK A RAINBOW to this day.
love and peace to you all.

As long as I can remember(I'm 37), Greenpeace has meant peaceful protest against the abuse of the planet and her living resources. When the Rainbow Warrior was bombed, it solidified for me what an awesome task the people of Greenpeace have undertaken on behalf of the planet and those who love and cherish her and all her creatures. It made very clear how dangerous and noble a cause it is, and I am more than ever a staunch supporter of Greenpeace, and an admirer of those people whose lives are consumed by this work.

I was 30 at the time of the bombing and a member of Greenpeace. It was hard to beleive how desperate and afraid one organization made a national power like France. Proof of effective campaigns, although at a horrible price.
A few years later, the new Rainbow Warrior visited my city of Portland, Oregon. I was a group leader with the Portland office at the time. It's a 90 mile trip from the Pacific, up the Columbia river to Portland. The ship docked for two nights at our seawall and was a big attraction, even hosted a dinner on board for the mayor.
We local members held a meeting on the bow of the ship on a nice summer night. I brought my 2 children and the captain was nice enough to put two inflatable boats in the water and picked us up at a nearby dock, bringing us back to the ship. The kids were thrilled as the inflatables were always in the news harassing whaling ships.

The state was worried that Greenpeace would hold some giant and embarrassing demonstration. We were told in secrect that something was planned. The ship quietly sailed one morning hours earlier than scheduled, sailed to a nearby town that was exporting huge amounts of timber to Japan, and crew members climbed on a ship hanging a huge sign for all to see. It worked great, caught the authorities by surprise, and they were able to escape before anyone was detained.
The Portland office closed due to funding shortly after and I miss it. I hope that one day it's revived.

I´m Yamila from Argentina and I was young when that happened but nobody in my family told me ever about this...i don´t know why....

I was heading into my senior year of high school when the Rainbow Warrior was bombed. I was a teenager at the time who dreamed of vounteering for Greenpeace someday and watched in shock and utter disbelief that someone would attack a vessel, and more importantly people who were just trying their best to make the world a better place. I never did get to fulfill that dream (as of yet!), but I think it is best to say I support Greenpeace whole heartedly and as best I can financially since I can't be there in body. I pay the U.S. government because I HAVE to; I pay Greenpeace because I WANT to.

Keep up the great work and I will do my best to support you all; body, mind and spirit!

4-ever!

Tina

Disbelief, shock, anger. A defining moment.

I love the slogan, "You can't sink a rainbow!" Righteousness will prevail, as well as peace on Earth. We are creating a new world, and a new reality in each NOW moment. When the "hundredth monkey" or that 51% is achieved, there will be no going back to the war and violence of the past. Nuclear weapons are a dinosaur; they destroy not only life and matter, but actually do damage to the SOULS of human beings. As we are all part of the Heart of Creator, this is equivalent to attacking the Divine! It will never succeed, and has been so ordained by Divine decree. We are on the brink of a Golden Age of Peace, and a time of Cosmic Celebration. The blessed peacemakers of the Rainbow are the pioneers and heroes of our generation. May Peace Be With Us All, as we know it Prevails On Earth, as in Heaven. Blessings, Angela TafarI. 7-7-2005 (7-7-7!)

I remember the bombing and I am still amazed when i see what good, descent actions, violent minds try to destroy, and yet somehow hold fast that their beliefs and thoughts are rational. I wish Greenpeace peace and that someday they will outlive their usefulness.

I remember the bombing and I am still amazed when i see what good, descent actions, violent minds try to destroy, and yet somehow hold fast that their beliefs and thoughts are rational.

I remember the bombing of Rainbow warrior and was working in the uk at the time an felt a deep sorrow of loss. I was nearly 20 at the time and remember the press coverage and loss of life. Why does money and power seem to dominate the future of all our futures.

(I hope my English isn't too bad; I'm not used to wright in English)
I'm from Belgium.Near to France. I was 16 when the Rainbow Warrior was bombed. At that time I was at school and we all where shocked. The most of us had bought T-shirts to protest against nuclear weapons.

I do remember it verry well and I can say I'm happy to know that the Rainbow is 'A live and kicking' again!

Now I can tell you whit proud: at the age of 36 I've worked for Greenpeace Brussels in the month of April 2005(recruting members in the streets) to inform the people about nuclear activities and what they can do to help to support the Rainbow Warrior in its mission.
I wish the crew good luck!

I was a teen in the UK at the time, and for me this was the "last straw" event that triggered a life of outrage and campaign.

Yes, I remember and am still shocked. Now like then I strongly believe that our World needs organizations such as Greenpeace. We owe a lot to people like Fernando Pereira and Peter Willcox and they deserve our support because they fight for a better World.

hola! soy de tamaulipas, mexico, que triste es pensar que ayer estaba viendo una pelicula que nos habla de como los extraterrestres vienen a terminar con el mundo, pero la verdad es que nosostros mismos nos lo vamos a acabar, que bueno que hay personas como los que viajan en el arcoiris que luchan por protegernos eso me da fuerzas para seguir adelante.

Yo contaba 23 universitarias primaveras entonces.¡ No podía creerlo!. Recuerdo que aquel hombre dejaba una hija; que nada supliría la pérdida de aquella niña.
Recuerdo al héroe... sin querer serlo . A un hombre honesto que luchaba por poner su granito de arena en el cuidado de "la casa de todos". Le mataron los malos. ¿Quién puede considerar a un hombre, a una tripulación, a un barco con el arco-iris, enemigo a muerte?. ¿Quién obedece hasta ahí?.¿A que extraño propósito obedeció deshacerse de lo mejor de la ciudadanía? - (y el activismo ecológico y pacífista lo es)-. Decididamente aquello nos concienció a un montón de jóvenes de entonces. Hoy escribo esto ante la noticia de las bombas en London. Terrible, pero siguen existiendo "iluminados" que aborrecen la paz en nombre de su propio odio, se llame como se llame y venga de donde venga, y que siguen privando a hijos de sus padres.
Un fraternal abrazo a los hombres y mujeres de bien.

France and killing people. Just a 5 yeara or so ago I was also threatened. There was a law to pass in French Government. The law said that even the Church of the President of the USA was a sekt. Yes. This law just had not the guts to put the Catholic church on the list, but mainly all others were and are on it. So I akt against it, personally. Later when I came home, I just wanted to take a nap from my personal bottle snaps. Somehow I got a warning. It just came to my lips and I put the bottle back. Looking in the mirrow I saw my lips became purple, my hands and feeth started to tintle. Do not ask me how, but I managed to get into my car and went to a restaurant. I could ask for a milkshake, got it fast, drunk it and after some time, just sitting there, it was gone. I could not sleep anymore at home. After some day's I put a new advertisement in some daily newspapers: " LIVE SAVINGS ADD " "If Luther and Calvin were born now, they would be kettered by French Law." After this I could sleep again, at home. But later I got a burgelery here. The police told me it was done by professionals...and the insurance company is not paying a penny...and a fiscal investigation started on me... Here I almost became free of it, but the Officer of Justice went into higher appiel and, close to our government, Yes, in The Hague in Holland, I am convicted as I am the one who Fraude...
Lets see what happens in the highest appiel, now by me. Yes, like the Rainbow Warrior, I am damaged, but there is NO Government on this planet who can beat the spritit of mankind, the power of choice, the power of Wanting to be Free.
Thank you Rainbow Warrior and YOU on it, You show this planet that we are the champions, no matter what. Thank you !

I really don't know what happened by that time, but all i can remember abut nuclear testing was one with the French in Moruroa atoll our whole school stopped our lessons for awhile to join the world noise barrage....

I remember this happened when I was very young, but I've been so shocked by that.
I think we have to keep on remembering things like this to keep inside and show the world the importance of the values of PEACE and RESPECT.

Francesca.,
Italy.

I was 11 years old when the RW was bombed. It was the first time that I understood about Greenpeace and its mission.
Being French, I remember vividly my parents being completely apalled. I remember feeling shame. France whose politians always gloat about the so-called "French" concepts of peace and equality among people...

As a New Zealander living in the UK, I was distressed and shocked at the actions of the French government in launching a terrorist attack in New Zealand. New Zealand took on this imperialist power despite all the economic sanctions that were applied against them, but has since lost its way and embraced neo liberal policies which have bought about a huge divide between rich and poor and undermined New Zealanders belief in social justice and fair play.

i wasn't born yet .. but I think that there's never an enough reason to take a human life.. and start a war or bombing..killing many innocent people its always unfair!!..today its my birthday im 15 and i cant go to missions or travel soo freely but maybe in a few years..i will , meanwhile i'll be here helping you encourage people as a cyberactivist..

Although I don't remember what exactly I was doing I remember my feeling regarding that news. That was a sabotage to my ideas. We must fight against this kind of actions whoever perform them, a terrorist or a government.

-Mauro

It is all still a bad memory.. Though I am not against nuclear innovations, since on a civilian scale if well develloped it can be a usefull source of energy, medical treatment and even space travel.. The bad memory is in the way some people think they need it for their own benefit. War is terrible, even the soldiers and generals say that. It is an ancient pest which has made us to what we think we are. War is a poor substitute for not being able to communicate, and I am afraid it will always be in our predatory minds. Hopefully genetic angineering will find the answer, falling into war is not a result of eating meat, but ignorance and intolarance is. Greed is the worst sin, and thus the absence of this all will make the difference.
Be happy to breath, sleep and eat in peace, do not be a loser and prepare yourself for the competition on a destructive scale. Help eachother to free the mind and cherish imagination. Be open to the thoughts of others. It is a slow process, but talk to eachother to gain the true answers. After all, Nature is strong and can easily (and at this era eagerly) wipe us out, do they dont care about their children? What is money worth if you have to sit on it?
So please do not let the innocent and the imaginative ones suffer in mind and body, after all dont we all admire Leonardo..?

I was 10, but I remenber perfectly. I was in vacations whith my parents and my father has wathing the news on T.V., I recall when he saied -bandidos, rebentaram com os miúdos- Those bastards, they blow-up the kids.

Since there I tryed to leave a live in harmony with the nature in memory of Fernando Pereira (born in my country, but a citizan of the world like me ).

When the Raibow Warrior II was in Portugal, I traveled from Oporto to Lisbon, I saw a dolphins and a rainbow and felt like a dream come trough.

Keep my dream alive....

keep on keeping on greenpeace ... dont let the governments, corporates, injuctions and lawyers keep you from what only you do so well ... if any government or corporate criminal ever threatened to shut greenpeace down, the people of the planet would rally against such an injustice and give you more support than you could ever imagine, just like they did when the rainbow warrior was bombed ... no corporate or government is powerful enough to halt the truth ... the people are with you all the way and will always empower you to ensure a green and peaceful planet ... now is the time, more than ever ... start with ramping up the action against exxonmobil/esso, the no.1 corporate criminals! peace

Desde Chile para todos los activistas de la paz.

Dear Friend Green Peace

Long,long life to Reinbow Warrior and the hope our planet living in the blue and clean sky for the children and every form of life in the world.

I was mid-20s, active in anti nuclear demos, peace marches, rock against radiation and anything which tried to pursuade politicians and public that it was madness to continue with either nuclear fuel or nuclear weapons. The sinking of the Rainbow Warrior was the first time I really understood that there is actual danger involved with confronting governments and their secret services. This realisation was a shock to me, but made me all the more determined to carry on, despite the potential upheaval of life and health. The responsible stewardship of the planet and its resources, the respectful integration of ancient wisdoms and modern systems, and in Chief Seattle's words the concept that 'we are all connected, like the blood that unites one family,' has been the cornerstone of my life and work as a musician and as a human being. To every rainbow warrior, brother and sister, 'aqui tienes tu casa.'

I remember being shocked, disbelieve, great pain that one person was killed, it all seemed so unreal ... I could not grasp that France would do something like that. And why ? They should have know this would only make our protest stronger ... But I must say protesting from behind my computer is easy. I do admire you all for really taking a stand and even more so after this incident 20 years ago. You could have easily given up, and everybody would have understood. But you didn't and that is really inspiring. And that is the reason why I will continue to support Greenpeace no matter what.

I remember being shocked, disbelieve, great pain that one person was killed, it all seemed so unreal ... I could not grasp that France would do something like that. And why ? They should have know this would only make our protest stronger ... But I must say protesting from behind my computer is easy. I do admire you all for really taking a stand and even more so after this incident 10 years ago. You could have easily given up, and everybody would have understood. But you didn't and that is really inspiring. And that is the reason why I will continue to support Greenpeace no matter what.

I am American and was living in France at the time I was appauled to think that the French could act like Americans but I've grown to learn that bad doesn't have a nationality. So I am happy to advocate "GOOD" with Greenpeace . I am thankful for their efforts that are benefiting the world.
Toni Van Duyne
Castelldefels, Spain

I was thirteen when it happened and I had never heard of Greenpeace and thought protecting the environment meant not throwing hamburger wrappers out the car window. When I heard about the bombing, and then subsequently what Greenpeace was, I remember being very confused as to why someone would want to hurt somebody for trying to protect the earth. It shook me a bit because as a child the world seemed to be a safe, happy place where right always wins. This was a very pivotal summer for me in forming my beliefs and values due in part I guess to my age but also to this tragic event and other eye-openers for me (Live Aid, etc.). God bless all those who are passionate about protecting His earth and its inhabitants.

I don't remember it, but you know the thought alone that people wanted to sink this ship while the people on it only want to do so many good things for the animals who have no voice, who we have to protect from the monsters in this world, animals who , when they are slaugterd,look in the eyes of these monsters and are not even able to reach there cold hearts, these people/monsters are cold blooded murderers.So maby i don't remember this day.But i know what a good job you are all doing for these animals.This makes me proud to be a member of Greenpeace.

Soy diana,de Venezuela, vivia en Italia en ese momento, pero no recuerdo la historia, hace solo un decenio más o menos que sigo lo que sucede en Greenpeace y la televisión la evito lo más que puedo. No pueden parar los esfuerzos que hoy se hacen para combatir la violencia a todo nivel, pero aún creo que somos pocos. Hay que buscar más amigos, yo los invito a no dejar el mensaje en el propio correo haganla circular besos y que Dios nos ayude.

I remember the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior and the anger I felt at the assault on people who were trying to do good for the world. It made me more committed to trying to help change attitudes around me about environmental issues.

Long live the Rainbow Warriors who do the true work of angels on this Earth to keep her healthy and whole for many generations to come!

Devastating poverty in Africa and an "itching to create nuclear war in outer space" White House ruled by Ronald Reagan - were the items of news and interest that bombarded this high school student living in military town, USA at the time.

Yes, Live Aid came along and helped (if only for awhile) and the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior came along and in it's tragedy offered some hope that the senseless actions of nuclear testing would soon come to an end. Although twenty years on there is Live 8 - little to no testing is happening - so I guess she didn't die in vain.

I remember thinking the Rainbow Warrior's death would be vindicated somehow - because despite the seemingly endless supply of morons on this planet (most of them running governments) - I thought there were still enough decent, caring human beings in the world who would galvanize and would not allow her destruction to become meaningless. Out of the ashes rises the Phoenix...A special "thank you" to those of you who served aboard her - thank you for your dedication and for being those decent, caring human beings making this world a better place.

I clearly remember I was ashamed of being french on that dreadfull day....

I remember the bombing very well. I can only quote Joan Baez and say "We shall overcome some day". May peace prevail in this world.

I was already strongly against the nuclear, and whaling industries before this event. The action of the French in the Pacific was really beyond all reason. Then came the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior!

I was so pleased when two of the perpetrators were caught; and so betrayed when they were, in essence, released by the Australian government of the day. That they were given a hero's welcome back in France was beyond belief.

I visited Aukland for business while the Rainbow Warrior was still sitting awash in the harbour. Before she was taken out to her present location. To actually see her brought back my rage at the criminal act that had been perpetrated against her and her crew.

To this day I do not buy French products, even to the derision of my friends. But it is my way of expressing my disapproval. I doubt that it will ever go away, France will have to go a long way to make amends.

John.

I was 32 at the time France's State terrorists bombed your ship "Rainbow Warrior" and i remeber thinking how it is always possible for Western governments to get away with terrorism and murder. 20 years later nothing has changed. Britain and America are now the biggest international terrorists with their illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq, and mass murder of thousands of innocent men, women and children. We still live in perilous times with America and Britain still insisting that they have the right and have the will to use nuclear weapons in a pre-emptive strike against even non-nuclear countries. The example set by Thatcher's sinking of the Belgrano, France's terrorist act against Greenpeace and the Western Coalition's jealous monopolising of belligerent weapons of mass destruction, no country is in the position of claiming the high moral ground. As usual it is left to "rainbow warriors" everywhere to bring morality and idealism back into politics.

Not so much a memory but grateful thanks that the crew did so bravely what so many of us were not in a position to do and showed that the world can be changed forever for the better, as well as for the worst.Let us all keep trying to do whatever we can to make a difference from a mouse click to crewing a ship, it all adds up, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND SAVE OUR LOVELY PLANET!

Un ricordo di purezza, giustizia e libertà
A remember of freshness, justice and freedom

Tenía 9 años y viviendo en el Perú no es complicado imaginar que se le dio poca atención y aún se le da poca atención a los emprendimientos de Greenpeace.
Es una minoría ,aún hoy en 2005, la gente que vive la urgencia de salvar y proteger lo que queda del planeta en que vivimos.
Mi abrazo para Marelle y su familia y para todos los del equipo del Rainbow Warrior.

Siempre seremos los individuos los que tengamos la capacidad de crear la diferencia igual que Mead lo dijo.
"Que ser valiente no valga tan caro, que ser cobarde no valga la pena" J.Sabina

J'avais 24 ans alors

Je m'en souviens comme si c'était hier

Les barbouzes qui ont fait ça n'étaient pourtant que des petites mains aux ordres du terrorisme d'état (en ce cas français et se disant "socialiste")

A présent c'est pire. A présent c'est légal. Au nom de la guerre sans fin au "terrorisme". Il y a plus de moyens, de petites mains, d'impunité, d'hypocrisie. Les chiens de guerre sont lâchés partout.

Leurs 8 représentants nous font d'ailleurs un show en Ecosse ces temps-ci.

Ils ne représentent pas l'espèce humaine
Ils ne représentent pas l'intelligence
Ils ne représentent aucune valeur
Ils ne représentent RIEN
A part leur ignominie

C'est notre planète et notre histoire. Nous allons les en sortir à grand coup de pieds dans le cul

Mes respects au Rainbow Warrior

the worst is that i can't remember.
the worst is that in Italy the "old" didn't gave importance for the world, and for few people who can make the world a better place.
They care just of making money.

A small group of us were camped for a week outside a pro-nuclear visitor "attraction" in Victoria Gardens, Bath, UK, when the Rainbow Warrior was bombed. People came up to us and gave us money before we'd even started a collection. Even the CEGB staff working on the pro-nuclear exhibition contiburted generously.How easy it is to put out a candle - but the light which that candle provided continues shining.

I remember well the bombing. I was 24 and I was living in Noumea-New Caledonia at that time. We first heard that a big rental sail boat had disappeared, it was in fact the one used by the bombers who were pretending being a couple in vaccation and sailed to New Zealand.
People were shocked by the death of the member of Green Peace and by the behavior of the french government. Francois Mitterand was president, and it was very shocking for us (i'm french) that a socialist government had bombed a Greenpeace boat and killed a man.

I was 21 at the time and very idealistic. I thought everyone wanted the world to be a better place. And even the incident with the Rainbow Warrior didn't stop these beliefs and even after the terrible events in London today I refuse to stop believing in a better world, a good place for us and our children to live in. People who place bombs cannot build a world. Please go on with your actions for a clean and healthy world.

I was in Argentina at the time, and had gotten acquainted with Greenpeace´s work a few months before the bombing. I was volunteering for a local NGO helping out at a CITES meeting, where Greenpeace representatives had attended. I remember confusion among us in the environmental NGO community when the bomb exploded, and tried to contact our recently acquainted Greenpeace friends to see that they were OK. Shortly after that a Greenpeace office opened in Argentina, where I started volunteering on the Antarctic Campaign. After many years of involvement with GP in Argentina, in 1992 sailed on the new Rainbow Warrior from Buenos Aires to the Amazon during the UN Earth Summit in Brazil. We had the Dalai Lama on board, who insisted on touring the ship and we had a short meditation on the stern deck. She is a fine ship, which conveys an awe inspiring spirit of perseverence -when you think of her stopping nuclear tests in the Pacific, also in 1992. The memories of the days on board still acompany me, especially sitting on the stern deck, along the wooden dolphin and watching her break the waves with real dolphins swimming along side. I remember the time on the Rainbow Warrior a some of the best weeks of my life. I wish many successful voyages and many successes to the RW and her crew.

Aquel día a todos los que creemos en que un Planeta limpio y en Paz es posible, nos hirieron gravemente. Pero cual Ave Fenix renacimos de nuestras cenizas y un nuevo Rainbow Warrior surcó de nuevo los mares para denunciar, e intentar impedir atentados contra la buena salud de la Tierra y de todos sus habitantes.
Deseo que actos de este tipo nunca más se vuelvan a repetir y que el gobierno francés haga todo lo posible por cerrar la herida de la familia y de los amigos de Fernando Pereira.
El próximo 10 de julio estaré virtualmente con todos vosotros en Nueva Zelanda

I very well remember the bombattack and until this day I don't buy french wine (That was a boycot action at that time). I don't understand why the attackers were not convicted and instead of that were given back to the french autorities.
The french goverment should make there apologies and give a compensation to Greenpeace. I am glad that the Olympic games in 2012 don't go to Paris.

It's a sad day today when terrorism threw a shadow of barbarity over humanking. Like 20 years ago when state terrorism capture the life of a contryman of mine.
Now, like then, there is no escuse for barbarity.
Now, like then, violence can never overcome principles.

I didn't see it and I wasn't there, but the fact that someone would risk their life for the greater good, is truly beautiful and inspiring. This changes the world and let us hope that more risk-takers will change it for good and get rid of all the nuclear weapons. I for one, will do all in my power to help, as soon as I can get away from home. And to Fernando, þú hefur mína hæstu virðingu og það sem þú gerðir, mun aldrei vera gleymt.

I was a child at the time, I was 11 years old, and I can't remember whether that was transmited in our TV chanel (just two at the time, the official ones).
But later I came to know about it, and I was shocked. Everytime I listen to this, or watch it on video, I get the shivers, and my eyes get wet with tears.
I will never forget it.
Besides, I'm Portuguese, as well as Fernando Pereira.
Back in 1998, I was present at Lisbon's World Exhibition, and I was able to take pictures to Fernando's family, while they came on board the Sirius. They were there remembering his relative, and wathching the homage to that man who'm was sacrified.
That was very touching, and I will never forget it...
Meanwhile, in my bedroom, there's a poster remembering this ultrage, this act of terrorism, to keep myself remembering that they can't sink a rainbow.
May she rest in peace, surrounded by thousands of fish.

I remember the bombing och rainbow warrior. After the bombing I have always thought that I when my childer are grownups will work 100 % for the humanity och for environment.

It was my fiftheen birthday. I remember watching the new on tv. I had always be intersted in what greenpeace did. But when I saw the reinbow warrior sinked I decided to be member of greenpeace.

I'm French.
I was 15 years old when the Rainbow warrior shrank because of the french intervention.
I was 15 years old when a photographer who worked peacefully for peace has been killed. When a little girl lost her father, for state raeson and nuclear lobby.
I remember very well this event, because as far as I can remember I wanted to be a secret agent ! This day, in 1985, I discovererd the dark side of this job : nothing in common with James Bond ! Nothing at all !
Now I try to be a peace and green agent for us, our children, our earth, with Greenpeace. With you dear reader ?

As I see, many of us were just kids at the time of this attrocity!
Isn't it amazing what an impact it had on all of us that it is still so clear in our minds (and hearts) Let us pass to our children the morals and values we have from a time when things seemed a lot less complicated!

My heart goes out to Fernando's family, you are in thoughts.

To Captain Pete, "good on 'yer mate!" you are a true inspiration, many can learn from you!

Onwards and Upwards!
Tara O'Brien

I remember hearing about the bombing on the news. I had just graduated from a 2-yr college. The bombing of the Rainbow Warrior is what made me become a Greenpeace supporter. I didn't have much back then, but it was important to me to send some money. I also decided that I needed to go back to college and finish a 4-yr degree so that I could do something professionally to help make the world a better place. I don't know that working in media research is making the world any better, but my employment helps me more easily contribute financial support to Greenpeace. I like spreading the word by using (Message!Products) Greenpeace checks, too.

I am portuguese and I do remember Mururoa and the killing of Fernando Pereira. I was 15 at the time but already worried about the environment. For me the Rainbow Warrior was the symbol of Greenpeace and that day is kept on my memory. I became an activist since then and now cyberactivism is my peace weapon.

I was born in auckland NZ and was living there at the time of the bombing, i was a young girl then and remember it absolutly rocking me to the core, the ignorance of these people and the resolve of people like us. you cannot sink a rainbow, long may we be.

Recuerdo aquel día, yo tenía entonces 21 años, si no me equivoco muriera un fotógrafo portugués ¿no?. No hay nada más asqueroso que el terrorismo de estado, por que, al fin y al cabo que le llamen como quieran, simplemente es: TERRORISMO.
Mi amor para aquellos que vieron como en un sueño de defensa de la naturaleza se transformó en una pesadilla.

My husband was so insensed that GP lost the Rainbow Warrior that he canelled his financial aid.

Love to the friends and family of those who were lost and injured on the Rainbow Warrior.

She is a potent symbol for the power of good and our determination that sense will prevail in this crazy world of ours.

Remember the tyranny of nations that are determined that there is only one right way and that way is theirs. Take care that you do not ape their tyranny in alliegence to a just cause.

Today there have been horrific bombings in London. Many innocent people have had their lives destroyed. My home is awash with the panicked calm of news reports.

All this because of polarisation of views. Take home the message of all the innocent who suffer.

Tolerance, dialogue, peace in our hearts towards even our enemy. Extreme action comes from frustration - listen to your neighbour, make friends with the bigot. Do not let people become isolated and split off by their views.

We are all part of this wonderful planet. Radiate its beauty, meditate on love and right action.

Bless us all.

I was still at school and I couldn't believe such an important issue would be met with such violence - I hope the work of the rainbow crew carries on until changes are made - before its too late !

I was young but I remember it.

They thaught to stop those who care about the environment... They got the opposite result...

I have an unbelievable respect for those who take action for saving all of us. The only thing we can do is to always keep supporting them.

Keep doing the good work!

I was just 21 when this terrorist act hit the headlines, a Greenpeace member for just a few years then. That a civilised government could resort to such measures was then, and still is, unbelievable! Hardly democratic, either! I think France should publicly apologise for this act, they owe that at the very least to the grieving family. I'm glad that the incident merely strengthened Greenpeace's resolve and heightened their profile, and I'm proud to still be a supporter twenty years on.

I "celebrated" my 5th birthday on the 10th of July 1985. Guess that's one birthday I'll never forget! It was one of the turning points for me, to become a (cyber) activist. Let our voices be heard!
I just heard the news about the bombings in London ... when will mankind ever learn? Disbelief, shock and anger ... now and then. When will it ever change? Hope I may live to tell ...
Keep on the good work, Greenpeace!

In 1885 i've started my study. It was difficut time in our country . It wasn't enough information about attack.But we (students)have known an discussed about it. Till nowadays I couldn't imagine , that there was poeple who could order bomb attack.

I saw the whole thing as it unfolded. A person was killed. Those who did it got a short sentence that was commuted and the French murderers were sent to a French island where they were released and given awards for services to France, or some such crap.Greenpeace settled for some cash to rebuild the Rainbow Warrior, or refloat it or something like that... and the murderers got away
with murder...
I wonder how the murdered photographer's family feel about it after all this time? If he was my dad or brother, father, son or uncle I'd prefer to see the vessel dropped from a great height onto the Eiffel (awful) Bloody Tower...
I see no glory in the Rainbow Warrior's return to NZ...

I remember the day clearly. Having been conscripted into the S African military we did not get a lot of news on international events but having a romantic interest in Greenpeace I had heard that the Rainbow Worrior was bombed and sunk in Auckland harbour. I felt devistated that Greenpeace did not have the power to strike back at the perpetrators. Little did I know and realise how a few good men & women who are driven by passion and a common goal, could bounce back so hard and really make a difference. It is like locking a man in a darkened room with a mosquito. No matter how small you are, you can make a difference. I have since dived the wreck of the Rainbow Worrior near Pahia & Russell in New Zealand. What a moving experience. You go Greenpeace and may more people realise your worth and support the tremendous efforts of caring, compassionate people. Always for the love of Gaia. James

No puedo recordar con exactitud, seguramente estaba disfrutando como loca en los 'sanfermines', quizá no me enteré de lo sucedido hasta volver a mi casa unos días después. Quizá nunca antes había oído hablar de Greenpeace. A veces unas cosas empiezan cuando otras acaban. Seguramente soy de esos miles de personas que empezó a tomar conciencia de la gravedad de ciertas cosas aquel día. Hay que seguir apoyando este grupo, pues su causa es la de todos.

If i was God of the Forest, i would express much beyond probable comprehension to many who have not experienced same.
I would deeply Love all who saw the vision of Warriors protecting our Sea's and Forest's and all Whom depended on their preservation in increasingly destructive times.I would say also, these are not the times of change, these are indeed times of aware action beyond anything we as a living entity have ever had to address. It is indeed urgent. I see the work of many who are dismiseed as the Radicals as being the Meek who shall indeed Preserve The Earth. Artists and Visionaries included,the Maori people, Chris Booth, sculptor, who was a vehicle of many who comissioned a permanent memorial to the bravery of the Rainbow and all it still stands for...Greenpeace. There are a lot of people who really care...and above all act.

I remember the bombing very vividly, being 16 at the time. My very first thought went to the member of the crew who's lost his life and to his family. I became a Greenpeace member shortly after this and still do my best possible to support your actions ever since. I did feel ashame to be French back then and could not possibly understand how my country was behind this. I trust I have grown up since and Greenpeace has given me strenght and hope in a better future for us all. Since the G8 is having a conference in Scotland as I'm typing this mail, I do deeply hope that wise decisions will be taken by our so called leaders. And on this day of remembrance, I shall pray for Frenando's family and for all those who've lost their lives or the life of a friend/relative to protect the earth. Peace.

If only Greenpeace could work without this kind of attacks...I wish you have strength enough to continue...
GREENPEACE, YOU ARE GREAT!I ADMIRE YOU!

I will never forget this day...
and
they will never stop us !!!
and
they made and make us stronger !!!

doreen-germany

I was really young at the time, but thought it was disgusting what happened as I have always had strong beliefs in helping the world & others.
Good on you guys for keeping on with all that you do, long live the Rainbow Warrior!

I was 23 when the Rainbow Warrior was bombed. I had been on many anti-nuclear demonstrations and always looked to the Rainbow Warrior as a beacon of hope and determination.

I was heartbroken and stunned when she was bombed by the French. The death of Fernando horrified me and this action spurred me on in my boycott of French goods.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the party in London on board the new Rainbow Warrior as part of the welcome celebrations that went on across the world, one of the most memorable times of my life.

Thanks to everyone past, present and future who have sailed on the Warrior and continue to bear witness to the destructive of our planet.

In peace,

Jacqui Burke

Yes, I remember thinking that 'there, but for the courage, go I' .. and quietly thanked the brave for a contribution to mankind that the rest of us are not able to make .. except some others like me have not forgotten and continue to advocate, support, pray and hope when and where we can. Sometimes only martyrdom will widen the eyes of those of us who sleep. With thanks for your loving commitment for the world we all cherish more than life itself, but do not have your wherewithal to sacrifice.

An environmentalist before the bombing, I joined Greenpeace afterwards and have been a member ever since. Some of the more memorable events: when Greenpeace activists scaled the tower of Goesgen atomic power plant in Switzerland; when they chained themselves to rail tracks to stop atomic waste transports; when they climbed and clung to trees hundreds of years old to stop clearcutting in the old growth forests of the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. and Canada. I am proud to be part of this network and to contribute in my small way.

I can't forget to remember such Bombing and also the world atlarge will never forget too,infact here in Nigeria,I do discuse such issure's with my friend the kind of world we are living,because such bumbing do happen to activist

I was a teenager as well - didn't really give a toss about anything - At the time my reaction was to be stunned... at what an incredibly, unbelievably stupid thing to do it was. Serious propaganda own-goal. Hate to say it, but it was almost funny. (Hey, I was a teenager)

Twenty years later people are still going on about it. The explosions under Muroroa are long forgotten.

I still can't quite believe it. Stupidity off the stupidity meter.

My English is not so good , but one thing i have to say : Thanks to those few people who stand up for the rest of us , and be a stoping hand for those who try to make our children , and our cildrens childrens ,lives Hell .
Thanks to Green Peace heros!!

GEORGE THEODORIDIS-ATHENS-GREECE

recuerdo perfectamente este dia.todavia me duele
al recordarlo.me duele la muerte de un inocente,
me duele el porquè y el quièn lo hizo.

I was 14 years old back then. And that bombing made me discover that the world wasn't fair. But some people are. Some of us really try. I still believe we can make this planet a better place to be. Peaceful, clean, joyfull.
I try it every day. And I don't forget how I started to be a rainbow warrior myself, when one life was taken for the glory of nuclear weapons. We won't forget. We will fight. Forever.

Didn't the cheese eating surrender monkeys give one of the perpretators of this obscene act of violence the Legion de Honour?Or some other bauble.I rember nearly throwing up on hearing that!

Mis recuerdos de esos momentos siguen motivandome a seguir dando y esparciendo el conocimiento ecologico a las generaciones de ayer, de hoy , para tratar de desarrollar un nuevo entendimiento entre la Humanidad y la Naturaleza , el Hombre debe Respetar la Evolucion Natural para poder convivir y crecer con respeto a nuestro Planeta, el poder ciega las mentes,creando lideres corruptos , guiando a la humanidad por caminos erroneos , Di No a la guerra!!! Di No!! a la sobre Explotacion Natural Di Si al Respeto de la Naturaleza , leguemos un Planeta Sano con Futuro, a Nuestra generaciones, pasa la Voz, Recicla, participa, promueve a la ecologia, Tenemos que cambiar,No olvidaremos nunca a Rainbow Warrior, Hagamos una Reaccion Verde.desde Santa Rosa CA un Saludo cordial.

In 1985 I was finishing my master's degree and going through a terrible divorce. The actions of GreenPeace at that time symbolized "hope" for me. I was involved in peace movements in the 60's, and just knowing that GreenPeace was out there, and working hard for the environment and the animals on this planet, strenghthened that hope - and I often wish I could have been a direct part of the activities that have promoted justice for this misguided world. I could not choose one campaign that stood out - ALL the campaigns were vital, and I thank GreenPeace for engaging the problems, and sometimes risking their lives to help save our world.

I love Greenpeace. Greepeace is my faith in humanity.
My young family in 1985 were independently writing letters to all the relevant politicians to protest at seal culling and whaling, they are still committed to Greenpeace and it's causes. One day their children will be too.
Shock, sadness and total disbelief were predominant emotions when the Rainbow Warrior was bombed.
Disbelief at France for committing this awful crime.

i'm french, 32 years old, i'll never forget that day, i'm so sorry ... Shame on us.

Peace

That the French behaved then like the US behaves now!

Hello,
I don't remember cause I wasn't born that year, but I read the story of Peter Willcox and I can't believe how stupid some people are. I really hope Peter's going to have a good journey and I hope he will take all the nuclear plants down.

Greetings, Laura

Who can forget! I was on all the queen street marches with my family against Nukes in NZ and was disgusted and totally disillusioned with the french when the Warrior was bombed and outraged to say the least that they murdered and basically got away with it.We shall never forget!
Keep up the great work GREENPEACE as we need you brave men and women with the courage of your convictions and your unswaying integrity that is all too rare on our planet that the evil and greedy seek to destroy.You are our last hope and may God bless you all.

I was a teen when it all happened and I remember my parents' reaction. That day I understood that if you want to fight for something good and fair but that goes against governments' interests you put your life at risk.
The same applies to fight against animal testing, you are branded terrorist when you are trying to make the world a better place.
I am sometimes disgusted by the irresponsible behaviour of people and hope old children like us will contribute and make the Earth a better place to live in.
Courage.

Namaste,
I was working w/ a Head Start program in Bellingham Wa. when the "Rainbow" was bombed. I was living on the Lummi Native Reservation at the time. We had just completed the first long-house built in over 100 years. When the news of the bombing came through, the elders formed a drum circle in front of the new dwelling. We drummed and sang ancient chants for the Rainbow Warrior and all its crew. The cermony went on until daybreak. When the light came, we ceased our vigil and went to our work, committed more than ever to work side-by-side with any who placed their spirits in-between the destroyers and exploiters. I told the story the next day and all the kids were full of questions about Greenpeace. I answered them honestly and then, they held their own silence for a good ten-minutes to honor the same principle. Quite amazing and unforgettable experience.... Even 4-5 yr. olds felt it deeply. All one has to do is tell the stories honestly and straighforwardly, like the ancient tales of native people everywhere who have been obliterated by weapons of too many generations of exploiters and war-addicts.

Hy there is was 15 when this happened and still it hurts to see the images, i hope you and the rainbow warior can change history again as you did back then.....good luck.

I was a child of 13 at the time. It wasn't too long after my younger brother had died of a terminal illness and I remember thinking about the senslessness of it all. The unnecessary taking of someones life in peace time, for trying to protect a pristeen part of the planet, from people who lived the other side of the world, who had no right to be there, and worse still the complete LACK of remorse and purely token apology by the French. It made me sick. 20 years later it still does!

I was 12. But still I remember. It was the first time I ever heard of Greenpeace, but certainly not the last, my mother told me what Greenpeace was about and ever since I have been much more conscience of the environment. (Animals were already a top priority in my young life ;) So although it of course was a terrible thing that happened, it did make an impact on a lot of peoples lives and raised conciseness. You even rewrote the old: what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. One got killed... that is two to many....and you did indeed get stronger. What Greenpeace means to me? A way to show true strength without the use of lethal force. There is hope for the human race yet.....

I remember being on holiday in France when the bombing occurred. The French government put a top-level fellow on the task to investigate. The security services told him that the weren't involved and he wrote a report just repeating what he had been told. What a shame for a nation congratulating itself to have invented rational discourse!
I was really glad that the government of New Zealand had the courage to stand up.
I was a supporter of Greenpeace before and ever since - and I'm proud of Greenpeace continuing agains all obstacles.

Alfred

I was 28 in 1985, and had admired and supported Greenpeace ever since I first saw those little rubber rafts placing themselves between the huge whaling ships and their targets. But up until that day I was a Francophile - loved everything about France, had studied the language for 12 years. I have to say that day ended that love affair. I know it wasn't every French person, and I know there are French Greenpeace workers; but I couldn't have been more shocked if I had found out a member of my family was a serial killer. I remember where I was sitting, how beautiful the weather was, and how everything seemed to go still as I listened. That anyone, much less a government, could have ordered such a cruel barbaric act against people who had committed their lives to making the world a better place for us all was incomprehensible. I was sure the reports were wrong; I thought it had to be an act of revenge by some rogue whaler. It's one of histories' ironies that instead of destroying Greenpeace they made them stronger and drew supporters to them. Without Greenpeace we would all be less aware, less safe, less concerned, less involved, less kind - we would be LESS. Rave on!

In 1985 I was only a little 9-year old girl, happily unaware of how ugly our society can be at times.
Mum and Dad tought me al about Greenpeace and other organisations that defend our little, beautiful blue-and-green planet. They were my heroes, though at the time, saving endangered animals was more important to me than the struggle against nuclear weapons.

The day the Rainbow Warrior was bombed, I distinctly remember seeing my parents watch the news, my mum crying, my dad furious. I remember them explaining to me what happened, and I remember not getting my head around the idea that someone could do a thing like that. The people on the boat were only trying to do the right thing, they had done nothing wrong, so why??

It was the moment my childhood dreamworld crumbled, and I realised there really were a lot of wrongs that had to be righted, and that it takes the strong will and perseverance of people like you and me to persuade the politicians to do something about it...

With the 20th anniversary of that moment, my heart is with Fernando Pereira's family, the families of all other activists that over time have given their lives to fight for what's right, and all activists that are continuing that fight today.

I've always known that real wealth lies at the end of the rainbow!!

I remember, I remember, I remember....
I will not forget,I will not forget,I will not forget....
peace, forever....

I was 6 years oled in that time. I don't remember anything, but now, over the years, in your efforts to end nuclear testings, I know that is a good think to do, offer my support, my little support to people that believe in a better world, made of true and sincerely wishes to be a better life in our planet, to take care of it, to abolish bad tasks, recalling missions to work for peace and nuclear disarmament. Congratulations for your work. It makes the life better to live and better to do every day more new acts.

I sure do remember the bombing.....and as I've said many times before you guys have been my heros ever since!!! What a selfless commitment you have made to our world and those in it.

I was ten years old when it happened, more concerned with Menudo and Barbie dolls than with anything else. I caught the news by accident (I wouldn't normally be caught dead watching the news!),I was flipping through the channels bored with nothing to do, then I saw the report. For some reason I stopped flipping the channels and saw the whole thing. I hardly remember the actual report but I do remember feeling outraged because I couldn't understand the reasons behind the attack.

Like I said I barely remember the actual incident, and it wasn't until years later that I learned the name of the warrior who lost his life that day, but that moment is very important to me because it was the first time I became aware of what was happening in the world. My desire to get involved with many causes later on in life, all come from what I felt that day whatching the Warrior on TV.

Today, as a High School teacher, I fight most of my battles in the classroom, trying to teach our youth to care for our world. 20 years later, I tell my students, who were not born back then, about people like Fernando and the amazing crew of the Rainbow Warrior, about their commitment to make the world a safer one for them and all the generations to come. But most importantly, how people like Fernando and the Warrior crew and many other anonymous warriors, are the true heroes they should admire and emulate.

May the spirit of the Rainbow Warrior keeps on living, and being a source of inspiration and encouragement for many generations to come.

I was only eleven & living in a small town Rajshahi in Bangladesh so at that time haven't heard the incident.AFter a long time in 1989 on a study circle I knew the inbcident how technically the big nations tried to kill the true path for doing good to mother Earth.

I feel very much motivated with the owrd that you can sank a ship but "You can't sink a Rainbow" .Thanks to Greenpeace to keep this motto alieve.

I was only eleven & living in a small town Rajshahi in Bangladesh so at that time haven't heard the incident.AFter a long time in 1989 on a study circle I knew the inbcident how technically the gig nations tried to kill the true path for doing good to mother Earth.

I feel very much motivated with the owrd that you can sank a ship but "You can't sink a Rainbow" .Thanks to Greenpeace to keep this motto alieve.

I can't remember it, because I wasn't even born then. But a few years ago I started to read everything I got about Greenpeace and what had happened there. I can't believe what they did, "just" because Greenpeace fought for the right thing.

I was 16 living in nelson, new Zealand. I was deeply affected by the bombing as i had admired Greenpeace and all the hard work they were doing at the time, when i was very young i saw a documentary about greenpeaces fight to save the harp seals from being clubbed to death it was that momment that i decided i would support Greenpeace forever as there seemed to be so little being done at the time to protect our seriously endangered environment. New Zealanders have always been very aware of the environment and we are very proud of our green image we are outdoors people with a stunning backyard to enjoy, in a world seriously polluted we are still relatively clean, we can still swim in our rivers and drink from our streams in most places, there are still a few pockets of virgin forests and the air feels & smells fresh and clean.We are proudly Nuclear Free and I hope we will always stay this way.
For France to violate our freedom of expression and to create an act of terrorism on our soil was at that time and still is both shocking and unthinkable New Zealanders are on a whole friendly and welcoming people who embrace different cultures and accept peoples individuality, the resulting trial of the two terrorists was a joke with their island paradise "jail" a total farce, We will never forget the rainbow warrior nor the people who worked so hard to protect the planet, it is a shame that so called world leaders can't strive to do the same.
The memory of the rainbow will live forever and so may the memory of Fernando Pereira

I was about to be married stepping into new personal horizons, someone who so wished to be able to trust everyone. Then The Rainbow Warrior was attacked and I had to find my world voice. Since that time I have followed the activities of Greenpeace closely, I donate regularly and I happily send e-mails to presidents, people everywhere, asking them to consider the voice of their conscience. I do everything I can to live green and clean and spread my message wherever I can. The Rainbow Warrior and the activists gave me a voice to speak out on behalf of our world and I thank it and everyone involved. May you continue to courageous & bold.

best wishes for them：no bomb in the Heaven.
Gary

I was only 10 years old when the Rainbow Warrior went down in the harbor in New Zealand. At age 17, I would realize the full impact when I boarded a ship in 1992 to sail around the harbor of Auckland New Zealand. Our guide reminded us that the dock we were walking on was the dock that the Rainbow Warrior was tied to when it was bombed. This had trememdous impact on me, as I couldn't understand why a government would be so anti-human. Now at age 30, I have tremendous respect for those fighting a often ungraceful war with the political machines of government. Those of you actively taking a stand through civil disobedience deserve a standing ovation. And those of us who support you through emails and petitions are some of your strongest supporters. Thanks to all that Greenpeace does, and for a organization that exists just for helping humans find each other with a common goal. Save the earth for our grandchildren and future generations.

I remember it quite clearly, it was really an event that made me aware what is happening around us... and later made me to join greenpeace.

As portuguese, as photography lover, as a humam who has the capability to feel I only regret this horror moment in time! I just remember my mother crying in front of the tv and the story she told me about, since then, of this beautifull ship who sailed for the protection of the planet.

As I learned of the attack, I was both sad and angry. I was especially sad that it was done by French actors - I had come to expect more mature behavior from them. And my anger was used to steel myself and add to my commitment to remain active in standing up FOR life and repecfulness and responsibility in matters concering the earth and life on earth.

To honor The Rainbow Warrior I joined with her and her crew by naming my canoe after her.

I do remember a visit by Greenpeace to Green Bay, WI - u.s.a.. As a stood talking with one of the crew, along with about 4 other people, a gruf looking middle aged male walked up and asked on the group, in a harsh and strained manner, "Are you one of THEM? - he was respectfully replied to with a no. Then her turned to me - same query and same response. There was sense of foreboding and tension filled the scene, as the crew member stepped forward and said: "I am sir". The man's response was to reach out his hand to the crew mate and shake his hand and state: "Keep up the good work." and as he turned to walk away the crew mate opened his hand and displayed the $50 that the man had placed there. We have support for sure.

I was a child in 1985. I am in China. And I saw the event in a TV programme few years ago. I was shocked . It really hurt my heart. What we do is just try to defend our home,our nature,our planet. But the damn political stuff comes,everything is going wrong. But they cant defeat us. Maybe they could stop our effort, but they cant stop our mind. I will show my respect to the warriors with my native language "彩虹勇士号一路走好,我们永远怀念你！“

i dont remember it as i wasn't born yet. i still feel the severity of the situation and greatly respect those doing something about it, you are my heros.

Desde Venezuela un abrazo y un Besote para todos aquellos seres que quieran a su hogar que no es más que el Cosmos, tu vecino, tu suegra y tu enemigo...

I was very young then, but I remember watching the news. I was shocked. And what can I say? We Will Not Forget.............

Peace

M.G. from Poland

Eu não me lembro deste episódio, mas de qualquer forma não quis deixar de deixar aqui um desejo de esperança de que o mundo se torne um lugar melhor, sem a presunçosa presença da ganância consumista, e que haja cada vez mais gente com vontade para que tudo melhore!

If I may, let me go back 5 years prior to the bombing of the Rainbow warrior. I was 25 years old and deeply concerned about American hostages that had been taken by Iranian students in Tehran. My broader concern, was that this incident had implications of biblical proportion. The whole situation brought me back to the days of the Vietnam war, when several of my friends returned, their lives completely changed; some never returned. I felt an obligation then to serve my country in a way that I thought would honor them and enlisted in the Navy from my home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I eventually became a member of the commissioning crew of the USS Michigan, the second of the Trident class submarines, whose written mission was "a deterent to nuclear war". It's taken just one administration in the White House since then to completely dishonor any noble purpose that I may have had. When the rainbow warrior was sunk, I began to have doubts that the world would ever agree to disarm from nuclear weapons. Since that time, I've done everything I could as an American citizen, to voice my opinion concerning ending the arms race. I hope that more young people will now realize that they have to speak out to convince their governments that a leader like George Bush can crop up anywhere in the world and we have to do our best to make sure that they won't have the weapons at their disposal to destroy us all.

I was 26 at the time, and I remember this outrageous bombing as if it happened only yesterday.
Isn't it about time that France publicly apologizes for this terrorist act?!

I was brought up to not protest about anything so I didn't take much notice of issues even if they stirred me. I was taught to trust in God and leave well alone. I remember realising when the warrior was bombed that there were people out there who were not waiting for someone else to do it but were doing it themselves. The welfare of our planet is now central to my life and whenever I feel out on a limb for I think about all those people who venture further out than I do and thank them for their example.

FOR THE WARRIOR

Red sky smudge of evening
Yellow fields of midday corn
Pink blush of morning glory
Green light of leaves newborn
Orange glows the earth with goodness
Purple stirs the deepest night
Blue sea sings forever

of love that keeps the rainbow bright

I remember i read the report of this cruel incident of bombing Rainbow warrier appeared in local news daily in my native language Malyalam when i was graduating at Kerala University, being attracted to environmental concerns. I was really feeling pitty on the action of this crime. Now as a teacher I try to instruct and influence my students to keep a concern on our environment and keep respect to those pleading for it. In this regard we feel Rainbow warrier as a martyr of environmental defence.

My memories, ...were of shock and disbelief when I first heard the news. That such a cruel injustice be ordered by a government, ...and with no regard for human lives. I have posted part of a letter to me recently for all this by one of your constituents at Greenpeace. I think she expresses this far more than I could ever attempt to. So if you would, I would have you visit my website at http://www.gratefulchild, and to share these words of Love in a special message we have there today. Thank you Karen, ...you are a gift of Love to us all

i remember the rainbow warrior being bombed in disbelief, then disgust on finding out it was civilised france that had carried out this outrage. over the years my faith in human nature has been robbed from me, but, every now and again greenpeace members stand up and are counted, sometimes ridiculed by those who should know better, but they do stand up, and bring a little shame on the rest of us who care, but do nothing

I was at home in Holland, a 16-year old high school kid who grew up in a dark cloud of looming nuclear terror. Greenpeace's actions, the fact that these individuals had the guts to do what so many people secretly believed, had always been a beacon of hope in my life and that of my peers. In the days after 10th July 1985 I was glued to the news.

What has always struck me was that the lasting effect of the violent subversive French secret service action was exactly counterproductive to what the French Goverment had hoped. The resulting international outrage ensured that Greenpeace boomed and (French) nuclear testing (almost entirely...) became a thing of the past.

Later on I ended up working for Greenpeace, with many of the amazing people who had been directly caught up in these dramatic events... almost by chance, while deciding what to do with my life.

The lasting message continues to be that if people do what they really believe deeper down than where the urge to revert to weapons sits, they can make the kind of lasting change that arms can never secure or enforce. Nuclear weapons and testing must of course permanently end up where they belong, as an unfortunate temporary misconception in the history of intelligent human development...

All my love to the original crew out there, to Marelle Pereira, and a big hug to Steve and Kelly. And to the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and their children.

I remember hearing about the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior on the radio as a seven year old child, and crying. I had just been on a class trip to see it less than a week before when it was in Auckland harbour. Things like bombs didn't happen in Auckland, they belonged in Rambo. It was probably right there and then that I first became enviromnentally and politically aware. Going aboard the new Rainbow Warrior last year in Wellington was a powerful experience for me- to me the existance of this boat symbolises the ability for a small, peaceful group to go up against the giants of the world and make a difference.

It hardly seems that it could be so long ago that I received a phone call while on vacation on Long Island that there had been an explosion aboard the Rainbow Warrior. But all the postings from kind people who were so young then or perhaps not even born tell me it must indeed be 20 years ago.

The first reports I got were fragmentary. It seemed perhaps there had been a casualty at sea. But then the unthinkable truth began to emerge. Word that Fernando had died was yet another shock.

To Steve Sawyer, Peter Willcox, Martini Gotje, Lloyd Anderson and all the others who had their ship bombed out from under them I can only offer thanks for your bravery and your commitment to the cause.

Richard Dillman
Greenpeace San Francisco

On that horrible day they tried to kill a symbol.
They tried to stop a force for good in the world.
They tried,but they have failed.
They failed becuase we are still here remembering and caring....
"They will find others who will follow them on the road to returning mother earth to beauty and plenty once more"
To all you wonderful Warriors Of The Rainbow,thank you for stepping into harms way time and time again for us all.
Nigel Potter.

A beautiful ship with a beautiful purpose. It is sad this is what human beings will do to a symbol of peace committed to a beautiful planet

The night of the bombing I was in Wellington, to do a broadcasting interview the next day with the cabinet minister who was on board one of the NZ navy frigates in 1973 protesting against french nuclear testing at Moruroa. I was very impressed with that kiwi spirit even in government, and I was even more impressed after the bombing - everybody in New Zealand seemed to stand behind Greenpeace and supported the crew, and the police did a very good job!
The Rainbow Warrior Crew and the Greenpeace New Zealand staff: Very strong people, and very comitted on the subject of nuclear testing and its effects on people and environment!
The most touching Rainbow Warrior campaign (in my mind): The evacuation of the Rongelap people.
I hope Greenpeace will continue campaigning the nculear threat, and also addressing the impacts of global warming which are already real for Pacific Islands states, especially atoll nations.

I was with my Dad, we were horrified and angry and sorry all at once.
The leaning ship and the horror of terrorism in our own very own lovely New Zealand.
I went once to Matuari bay to see the where the Warrior was laid to rest, I cried a little for all the brave warriors of times past and times to come.

I think about how difficult it is that things change the way they do, international relationships - the way we 'term' what is what... these days the 'war on terror' is so ironic. Such a great cause was blackened and Fernando was killed... very sad.

We remember on air at 2SER FM in Sydney. We'll remind people as well. http://www.2ser.com

Bombing peacekeepers? Bombing human beings... yeah it´s common on this planet. Thank gosh there are still those thoughtful, committed citizens that still can change the world, and give peace a chance.

As a kiwi now living in the UK (not forever!) I look back on those events when I was 12 years old with pride for my people and my country. While we are a small nation with very little political power it was heartening to see the country vote for a government the year before largely on the issue of Nuclear Free New Zealand. There was the audacity of Prime Minister Norman Kirk’s government to send two of our navy frigates to Moruroa the year I was born in 1973 to protest against a major nuclear power! There was the springbok tour protests against apartheid also. We are a country of people who really care. Even though I was only about 12 when I saw the Rainbow Warrior listing half submerged at its mooring it moved me very deeply. I was also very proud of the New Zealand police force for catching the perpetrators. In their arrogance I'm sure the french government thought we were a bunch of simple peace-niks and their operation would be a doddle! Fancy having a world superpower's secret agents caught by a small nations' bobbies!! Unfortunately the tide turned rather dark not long after this, our produce was denied markets in europe and the loans we had been given to build the "Think Big" projects of the seventies were called in. Perhaps the idea was to loan the money to build infrastructure, call in the debts, and buy up the silverware at bargain basement prices. Throw in Rogernomics User Pays (ie poor people must pay for everything) and our country slipped into depression (economic and emotional) and much of that spirit of peace and caring was muffled. But I guess we must count our blessings that in this age of corporate forced globalisation we suffered the indignity of being robbed without civil war or murder. I believe and I hope there is enough of that good kiwi spirit in us still now that we can see past the distraction of "race" issues and see the true issues of corporate takeover of the worlds democratic systems. I remind myself we are pacific islanders, I may be white of english decent but hey i was born on an island in the pacific so that makes me a pacific islander too! There is much meaning and power in words:..........

pacify (PEACE).......

verb {T}
to bring peace to a place or end war in a place:...................

pacific..........

adjective
peaceful or helping to cause peace..........

So it is even in our name to be peaceful and to help cause peace.

It made me laugh when we the americans forced our rock band to change their name from Shihad in the aftermath of 911 because they thought it was too similar to Jihad!!! But their choice of a new name shows to me the spirit is there still and I wonder if the yanks ever noticed the humour and subtle political point they made with the new name Pacifier!

Having been one of the many who sit back and do nothing, sitting here reading the words of you good people who have been brave enough to do something I have been moved to do more than cry, perhaps I may see some of you in Gleneagles next week at the G8 summit.

Living in The Netherlands I was shocked to hear what our neighbour did and soooo many with me. As a protest we blocked the French wine industry, by not buying their wine for a long time. New Zealand was suddenly in the news and closer to us in Europe. Living in NZ now I can hardly imagine how big the shock must have been here... Warm regards fr. Franceska Francina

As the first mate on the vessel in '85 Fernando was my "brother" and part of the extended family at the time, which was the crew and all those people who supported the campaign.

I will never forget, but also hold no grudge against French people. Many of them were and are still fighting the horrors of nuclear weapons.

My grudge is with the governments of nuclear weapon states which still hold the world at ransom and prevent peaceful solutions as the only way to solve conflicts.

The anniversary is a tribute to Fernando, David McTaggart, Bob Hunter and all good people who have died and fought hard to get rid of nuclear weapons.

It is also a tribute to all the nuclear victims, who died and are dying from the nuclear war the NWS are raging on all of us.

It is a tribute to "Moruroa E Tatou", the organistion of ex Tahitian workers on Moruroa, which seeks justice and compensation from the French government for horrors inflicted on them.

It is a renewed call for non violent action to get rid of the ultimate weapons of terror

I was very young then, but I remember watching the news. I was shocked that a government could do such thing and could actually decorate the people that committed such a horrible crime.
I think that the Rainbow Warrior taught us all a lesson.
I am a teacher and I often use the story of the Rainbow Warrior to inspire my students, and to show them that we can make a difference.
Peace!

I wasn't around when the Rainbow Warrior was bomed as im only 18 but i can remember my dad telling me all about it. Greenpeace is spilt in my family me and my dad are big supporters but my mum and brother are not. I was lucky enough to get on the new Rainbow Warrior when it made a visit to belfast i got loads of pictures it was a great honer to be able to touch the ship. Rainbow Warrior may you rest in peace

The French did a lot for the cause of Greenpeace with their act of terrorism. I was only 9 back in July 85 and unaware of this act because growing up in the Pacific, we did not have television until the 90s. And so finding out about the Rainbow Warrior some years later created an instant connection between me (the generation that the RW was trying to save) and Greenpeace. Fernando's death is a loss the organisation continues to mourn, but if he is anything like the people in Greenpeace today, im sure he wouldnt have it any other way. There are many in Greenpeace willing to take risks, make sacrifices and continue the fight for a green and peaceful planet. Its bloody amazing!!

Ce 10 juillet 1985 j'etais sur le terrain dans le Yukon (Nord Canada) pour etudier des campagnols et des musaraignes. Nous avons appris l'attentat contre le RW a la radio le surlendemain, en pleine taiga au nord de Dawson-City. Depuis ce jour j'ai un regard different sur Greenpeace, car je me souviens que nous nous etions senti aussi "aggressés" par cet acte horrible.

Today, in my fifties, I want that the French government officially apologizes for that crime, and I want that we not forget Fernando Pereira and his family. Might we soon eradicate all nuclear bombs on earth, and this will be a fantastic tribute to Fernando.

I was five years old then. I only heard about Rainbow Warrior at varsity and ever since then I've been attracted to it. It's the bravest and most adorable ship I've ever heard of!!!

I must have been about 3 at the time of the sinking of our Rainbow..alas there are memories that I hold of a performance by the local 'pied piper' playing his flutes, jigging a tune, I with little blonde pigtails would have been spinning and tapping my toes. At the end of the preformance he gave me a badge, blue with a peace dove with a piece of an olive branch in its beak flying over a rainbow with the words proudly written white above.. "You can never sink a Rainbow". To this day approaching my 24th birthday that badge having travelled many a distance is sitting on my bedroom window sill reminding me each time I look at it just how invincible a rainbow really is. Its message of peace and strength and the possibilities in life have guided my way. All that has happened is meant to be and I believe that the Rainbow burns brightly with a clear message still, so thank you Rainbow Warrior!

At the time of the Rainbow Warrior bombing I was 16 years old. My boyfriend was a recently grduated journalism student working in Radio. We were both interested in geopolitics and happy Lange supporters! We both followed our nations stand on the French testing in the pacific and felt proud our leaders were making a stand for a nuclear free world. Then the news broke on the ship being bombed...it nearly makes me cry to recall the awful feeling the impact of it had on me! The shocking realisation that speaking out for your belief as a nation (and a cause) could actually bring down that kind of retribution shook and sickened me. I am afraid I shan't ever be forgiving them for that.
Thankfully Greenpeace is made of stronger stuff! I have always raised my kids to be aware of the wonders our world holds, the need to protect it and the right to enjoy it, that the best you can do eh?!
Kia Kaha

I was thirteen when the Rainbow Warrior was bombed and had been writing a speech for school about nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands, which included information on the Rainbow Warrior and Greenpeace. I recall watching the news (which we never did!) and being stunned. My parents had opposing or not very strong opinions about "saving the world" and I clearly recall Mum wondering out loud "what the world was coming to" which was really not like her (she's a 'get on with it lass'). About 18 months after The Warrior was sunk our parents took us on a road trip from Wanganui to Matauri Bay to see the site where the Ship was sunk. I think it changed my parents life more than my own and they became far more interested in what they called my 'activist tendencies' afterwards. I believe what it taught me was to learn to pick my fights and stop being so dramatic about my brothers' snail squashing.

I remember that sad day and the sorrow I felt that the French government would not only pollute the world with nuclear weapons testing but would resort to terrorism to enforce their will. I hope that the French people will one day force their government to pursue justice in this case. I also remember feeling that those Greenpeace members were working towards a better and more peaceful world and I will always feel that they are heroes.

I was a kid, sitting crosslegged in front of the TV, eating maccaroni cheese (as we always did on that particular night). i remember hearing the bombing story and i started crying because i knew it was something terrible. i remember mum and dad looked really shocked and we sat in silence for a long time afterwards.

I am only 20 years old now and was not old enough to remember the bombing. Nevertheless, my sympathies go out to the lost souls of that vessel as well as their families.

The world, unfortunately, has become a tragic place to live and those that are brave enough to stand up against the mindless masses are very much the heroes. But, as many of these stories go, the heroes are viewed as dangerous by those in charge during the times that they live; their deaths make them martyrs to those that follow but are too afraid to act; and their actions are praised far too late in the game to bring about the change that they were fighting for.

I just hope that I get to see the world the way that they were trying to make it during my lifetime!

I am only 15 buti am very interested in Greenpeace, and im sure that when im older i will be working for you..hopefully, SAVE THE WHALES!!!

Well, when the warior was bombed I was very very young, to young to have any memories at all of what happened. But then, now being a 20 year old adult, living in cyprus (that is about 70 miles away from incirlik, turkey, where the plant is being built) I have a pretty good idea what the people in the rainbow warior where struggling against. They where fighting for a world without nuclear bombs, without wars, with better living conditions for all of us, where the corporate bastards never win, and where love always prevails...maybe thats too optimistic, but hell, its a lot better fighting for it than sitting in a bunker waiting for the world to explode.....right?

Une semaine après l'attentat, j'ai adhéré à Greenpeace France. J'y ai travaillé trois ans, avant de devenir journaliste spécialisé en environnement.
Vingt ans après, je n'oublie pas ce beau bateau, Fernando Pereira ni le reste de l'équipage.
Je n'oublie pas non plus celles et ceux qui, au bureau de Paris, m'ont fait partager leur passion pour la préservation de la planète.
Merci à vous tous,
Valéry

I was the national coordinator of GPNZ at the time of the bombing. My memories go back to the birth of the plan for the Pacific Tour carried out by the Rainbow Warrior crew and campaigners - we so much wanted it to be done the "Pacific" way, involving the people of the Pacific as much as possible. No-one even considered the possibility of the French government expanding their acts of terrorism from Moruroa to Auckland.

I won't forget the drive back from Piha to the harbour on the night of the bombing after getting the news from a journalist that an explosion had occurred on board. It seemed the longest, darkest drive I have ever sat through, with pictures of dead bodies hanging off the rigging playing themselves out in my head. Then to stand at the closed gates of Marsden Wharf and peer through the bars at the Warrior lying partially submerged, was gut-wrenching. But worse was waiting in the police station for news of the missing, and finally Fernando's death.
After that, life just turned into chaos and confusion, but for me the most uplifting experiences of my life were seeing the instant and total support of the New Zealand public, and gaining the friendship of some of the most amazing people on this planet.

Fernando and the Rdub may be gone, but never forgotten and still inspirational.

I find the Germaine Greer quote from 1998 keeps me going - "Everything that is, could be otherwise!"

As a Canadian living in New Zealand at the time of the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior, I have these reflections on the times and the tragedy…

As part of one of my 12-week industrial-awareness assignments (I was employed as an Electrical Engineering tutor at Manukau Technical Institute in South Auckland) I installed and commissioned high-tech navigation and communications equipment on a large private yacht that happened to be tied up at Marsden Warf, directly opposite the Rainbow Warrior.

I worked on that boat for several weeks before and after the bombing. On Tuesday evening, July 9th I left work on the boat as usual around 6pm. I retuned the next morning though to find the Rainbow Warrior sunk, bow up, stern down resting on the bottom of the harbour – with one of its crewmembers, Fernando Pereira dead.

I wasn’t allowed directly on the other side of the wharf due to the police presence – but the image of the sunken ‘Warrior’ stuck in my mind.

New Zealand had always been known as a quiet, peaceful place to live - a place where one could raise their family in natural and beautiful surroundings. That's why my family and I moved there is 1976.

But in the mid-eighties, New Zealand ‘came of age’ and times were tense before and certainly after the attack. We and other Pacific nations had been condemning France for their continued nuclear testing on Muraroa Atoll.

We ‘blew our horns’ and ‘rattled our small sabres’ as best we could even though we were an insignificant Pacific nation.

We had just stood up to the US when they would “neither confirm nor deny” carrying nuclear weapons on their ships that wanted to tie up in Auckland Harbour. This was ‘heady stuff’ for a backwater nation of the Commonwealth.

The economy of New Zealand though was agricultural based and when the European countries and others closed off their imports of sheep and sheep products, it devastated the country.

After the bombing and the fiasco of the mock trials of Mafart and Prieur (the two French agents-cum tourists), the then Prime Minister David Lange failed the nation by caving in to the lure of money that was offered, for fear of losing even more trade with the world.

He ‘sold out’ New Zealand for a ‘few pieces of silver’.

Thanks for keeping the memory of Fernando Pereira alive – the times are certainly remembered by those of us who were there.

I was working for Greenpeace in 1985, as I am today. I was in Washington DC with Sebia Hawkins, on some lobby mission on Capitol Hill for a better US position at the Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference.

In the cab back to the Greenpeace office, literally as it pulled to the curb, we heard the radio report: "Greenpeace ship sunk in New Zealand, at least one crewmember dead."

Sebia and I knew half a dozen people aboard the vessel, and were both daily runners in those days.

If anyone had had a stopwatch, I think we would have beaten several records for the fastest sprint up a set of stairs in history as we raced up to the office to find out more.

The office was in total chaos, but Peter Dykstra, our Chief media officer in those days in the US, was as always the calm in the midst of the storm. "Here's what we know... grab a phone."

And for the next couple days every phone in the office was in use fielding press and supporter calls and contacting crew family while news trickled in about who was safe, theories surfaced about who was responsible, and people in various parts of the room broke down sobbing or paused to hug one another in support.

The bombing utterly changed my life. The next thing I knew I was on a plane to Paris where I worked press with David McTaggart, who asked me to join the team pursuing the French Government in the courts. That effort brought Cindy Baxter and Duncan Currie into Greenpeace, along with Washington lawyer Lloyd Cutler, who had advised US President Jimmy Carter during the SALT II nuclear weapons reductions negotiations with the Soviet Union.

It took two years, but we won an unprecedented arbitrated decision against the French which put a Non-governmental Organisation on par with a sovereign government for the first time, and won enough in damages to replace the Rainbow Warrior with a sister ship.

But the real win was in the only place that matters: the court of public opinion. Far from silencing us, the French attack on the Rainbow Warrior galvanized opposition to the French nuclear weapons programme, and eventually defeated it.

I was getting married when the second Rainbow Warrior returned to Moruroa in 1991. I should have been there, and my half of the church was fairly empty due to the fact that most of my friends were aboard the ship. But the priest had asked me many questions about this campaign before the ceremony, and put together a homily about what it means to know your neighbor's house is burning, and how community means taking action to save it.

He then told the congregation that there was a petition at the back of the church calling for an end to nuclear testing, and anybody who showed up at the reception without signing it wouldn't eat.

I've never been much of a church-goer, but Father Gramky earned my respect that day. His was one of the many acts by many people around the world that stopped nuclear weapons testing. And those are the kinds of acts we need again to ensure the world doesn't slide back into those dark days.

Peace,

--b

I was just 6 when the Rainbow Warrior was bombed and living in the UK. I remember quite clearly the commotion as the family gathered to watch the TV and my dad had to explain to me what it was all about. I don't know if I understood but I remember the outrage which was developed by my father and all the people I was surrounded with in the coming weeks and years as the true story unrolled. We have boycotted French wine for 20 years now (admittedly only 8 of those I would have been allowed to legally buy it) but I know so many people felt so strongly that this was wrong that they did the same, it was the only way they felt they could do something in an issue where they felt powerless.

It was of course a huge mistake on behalf of the French. Who knows whether I would really have taken much of an interest in the issue had this not been such a formative experience and I think so many people will feel the same. Over my dead body will such greedy nations and companies destroy the earth......

Around midnight on July 10, 1985, I was the last journalist in the building at The Press in Christchurch when the ticker tape came through saying that the Rainbow Warrior had been blown up. The story I wrote that night began a journey with Greenpeace that continues today.

Two years later I was in London, and ended up working for Greenpeace for the court case against France for compensation for what they did to Fernando and our boat - at the Hotel de la Paix (French for peace!) in Geneva. We won the case and the french paid up, but they still haven't apologised to Greenpeace.

Two years later i was in Wellington, working for Geoffrey Palmer when one of the agents was released from Hao. Not a good day for New Zealand. I can remember the fury of both Palmer and David Lange at this outrage.

fast forward and I was back in London working for Greenpeace in 1995 when Chirac announced the resumption of testing - just weeks before the 10th anniversary of the bombing, and the 50th anniversaries of hiroshima and nagasaki. Trailing across town every night to protest outside the French embassy where we kept a 24 hour vigil...seeing the first test on television about 4 a.m. london time, but knowing that there was a huge flotilla out there protesting, with the Warrior.
Fast forward again, and here I am back back in Aotearoa, working for Greenpeace and commemorating the 20th anniversary. It's a real privilege to be here now - and to have so many people putting their hearts and souls into helping us create our new single, Anchor Me, and the upcoming concert at the St James on 10 July.

For me, the spirit of the Rainbow Warrior is alive and well in the second boat, which has just been out there exposing the destruction by the fishing industry; it's in the crews of all our ships and the incredible work done by my colleagues around the world, and it's enshrined in our nuclear free legislation.

I was only 10 when the warrior was bombed. My first strong interest happened when I was twenty and working for a photographer. Before he died he gifed me a original black and white photo of the Rainbow Warrior he had taken after it was bombed and lying submerged in the Auckland Harbour. I still have the picture and a few years later when asked to become a Greenpeace supporter I did! The 20th anniversary is not only a time to look back at the bombing but to look at the great work Greenpeace has achieved in the last twenty years.

I have a very clear memory of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior. I was staying with friends by Lake Taupo - the radio was on downstairs and as I walked down the stairs they announced that the Rainbow Warrior had been bombed in Auckland Harbour. I remember disbelief, shock and then anger. I suppose that was a big turning point in my life. I had always been sympathetic to environmental organisations and their aims - but never done anything about it. But about 6 months later - back in Auckland - I contacted the Greenpeace Office and offered my services as a volunteer. Best thing I ever did. I've worked for Greenpeace, on and off for about 14 years now.
I think the French probably created lots of new activists that day.

- Eve

I vaguely remember the bombing - but I was 15 and very self absorbed in 1985. But I do remember Greenpeace was a big thing in our home.... I distinctly remember a sticker on our front door that featured a whale and a rainbow. My little brother used to introduce my mum as his 'save the whales mum'