20th anniversary of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior: Wakeup Call to the World

Anne Summers on board the Rainbow Warrior at Whanaoroa, New Zealand © Greenpeace/Walsh

It's Saturday morning, a clear and sunny day as we head north towards Matauri Bay. This is my first time on the Rainbow Warrior. Hey, it's my first time on a boat and I feel very privileged to be here and to be part of an incredible group that is about to commemorate one of the landmark occasions in Greenpeace's history. The bombing of the Rainbow Warrior was like a wakeup call to the world - and the world still remembers. In recent weeks, I have been telling people that I would be sailing on the second Rainbow Warrior as part of the marking of the bombing of the first one. I have not met a single person, of any age, who has not heard of what happened back in 1985. Most people are staggered that twenty years has passed since it happened . ‘Was it really twenty years ago?' they say. It seems like just yesterday. Recalling what happened also helps people renew their resolve to keep on fighting against environmental injustice - in whatever form it takes.

It was very moving to meet Morelle Fereira whose father was killed during the explosion. She is young and vivacious and her spirit is infectious. We are not going to immerse ourselves in tragedy. We are going to harness the emotion and the energy of the occasion to move forward. Morelle and her partner Matt have been telling everyone that they plan to get married and have babies. I never met her father, but surely he would have been very proud that his daughter is here.

I certainly am glad to be here. I am looking forward to participating in the ceremonies tomorrow morning. I am proud to represent the International Board of Greenpeace during this voyage and other activities, and to be part of that chain that links Greenpeacers everywhere, on the seas, in the forests, in the offices - and even in the board meetings. We are all fighting for the same thing and we all have our part to play. But it is also good to observe those different parts, and even to share in them. I am happy to be able to do that, on board the Rainbow Warrior, and part of a group of very special people who represent Greenpeace's past, present and future.

- Ann Summers, Board Chair Greenpeace International

Wakeup Call to the World

Greenpeace Offices Worldwide