OneWorld.net (U.S.)

OneWorld.net note: California high school student Erik Choquette's three-minute film calling on the United States to take a lead role in eliminating the world's 27,000 nuclear weapons was recently awarded first place in a national video contest on nuclear disarmament.

• © Nuclear Age Peace FoundationThis summer, the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation held its national Swackhamer Disarmament Video Contest. "There are about 27,000 nuclear weapons in the world today. Use your creativity to make a short video about why US leadership is necessary to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons," urged the peace advocacy group. Choquette, 16, won first place and the $1,000 prize, while Drew Madson and Sagesse Graham won second and third place.

• "Erik's video is a powerful and creative expression by a concerned young person," says Nuclear Age Peace Foundation President David Krieger. "It sends a message to other young people – as well as older people – that US leadership is essential as we work towards a world free of nuclear weapons."

• Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008 marks the 63^rd anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan. This day is also known as Sadako Peace Day in honor of Sadako Sasaki. Sasaki, a young girl from Hiroshima who was diagnosed with leukemia after being exposed to radiation from the atomic blast, spent her last days folding origami cranes in a message of peace.

2008 Swackhamer Disarmament Video Contest Winners

From: Nuclear Age Peace Foundation

The winners of the 2008 contest have been announced! The top three videos appear below. The Press Release is available here.

Congratulations to all who entered - your creativity and dedication to a world free of nuclear weapons makes a difference.

The contest will be held annually. Look for an announcement about the next contest in March, 2009.

1st Prize: "Nuclear Peace" by Erik Choquette of Santa Barbara, CA

2nd Prize: "Wooden Bombs" by Drew Madson of Minnetonka, MN

3rd Prize: "Testing" by Sagesse Graham of Seattle, WA

To read more about anti-nuclear weapons activism, visit the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.