From left, Mary Ann Van Cura, Steve Buck (Skipper), Helen Jaccard (Project Manager), Councilmember Mark Squilla, Ren Jacob, and Barbara Cooney holding the resolution marking the Golden Rule’s visit to Philadelphia.

by Tina Shelton
Greater Philadelphia Branch

June 2023

From May 9-13, 2023, the Greater Philadelphia Branch joined with several other groups to welcome the Golden Rule sailing vessel to Philadelphia as they make their way up the Eastern Coast on their “Great Loop” Journey.

A welcoming contingent greeted the crew on May 9, including the Northwind Sailing Schooner escort, fans, and flags! City Councilmember Mark Squilla presented a Resolution marking the Golden Rule’s visit to Philadelphia, which included the City of Brotherly Love’s past support for nuclear abolition. Thank you, Councilmember Squilla!

View a slideshow of the joyous dockside celebrations held on May 9 and May 13.

Activities while in the Philadelphia area included a potluck at Friends Center with Sally Willowbee (daughter of one of original sailors), a visit to the Peace Collection at Swarthmore College Library, and on the final day, a walk from Independence Hall to Penn’s Landing Marina. A dockside sing-along with Buzz Merrick and the Granny Peace Brigade was held to send off the crew to their next stop in New York!