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About 10 anti-nuclear activists, who began their march April 8 in Asheville, proceeded down Merrimon Avenue by mid-morning, with plans to walk to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. The marchers told the Daily Planet that the procession will cover 120 miles and they plan to average 15 miles per day, making it about an eight-day walk. They are joining a protest of a proposed $6.4 billion uranium plant at Oak Ridge. Daily Planet Staff Photo

From Staff Reports

A group of anti-nuclear activists on April 8 began a 120-mile walk from Asheville to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, where, a spokesperson said, “a new bomb plant has been proposed.”

The walk takes place in stages and multiple people will take part in the journey.

The group is opposed to a proposed $6.5 billion uranium processing facility to manufacture “thermonuclear secondaries” at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The marchers will join a rally for disarmament and peace, sponsored by Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance.

“It’s for everyone who cares about the future,” a spokesperson noted. “A safer world is our right ... Thank you for your interest in the work for a world free of wars and exploitation.”

A staging area for carpools/caravans to Oak Ridge is set up for April 16 at the Westgate Earth Fare parking lot. Participants are urged to look for a van with signs and to bring water, lunch and signs, such as “Stop the bombs!”

The carpools of protesters will be driving to the Alvin K. Bissell Park at 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, Tenn., where the walk begins.

The demonstration, with the theme, “What: A Safer World Is Our Right: March, Rally, Action for Disarmament and Peace.” will begin at 1 p.m. The march will proceed from Bissell Park to Y12 Nuclear Weapons Complex for a peace rally there.