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Ubiquitous Peace Sign Turns 50

Symbol debuted at British anti-nukes rally

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Feb 21, 2008 2:52 PM CST
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(Newser) – One of the world’s most recognizable symbols turns 50 today, the Victoria Times Colonist reports. The peace sign has become the rallying beacon for social movements from civil rights to anti-war. But textile designer Gerald Holtom designed the emblem to trumpet the fight for nuclear disarmament in England; it crossed the Atlantic thanks to Martin Luther King Jr.

Holtom, who thought the “lollypops” would look good on TV, drove home the message by referencing two letters from the signal-flag alphabet: “N” (flags at 4 and 8 o'clock) and “D” (at 6 and midnight). "I drew myself, an individual in despair, with hands palm outstretched outwards and downwards," he said, "in the manner of Goya's peasant before the firing squad."

A protester dressed as Jesus Christ marches against the war in Iraq in San Francisco.
A protester dressed as Jesus Christ marches against the war in Iraq in San Francisco.   (Associated Press)
Jeffrey Currier, of New York, seen from behind at right, holds up a peace sign as he marches with Fifty Mermaids for Peace in Coney Island's 25th Annual Mermaid Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Saturday June 23, 2007. (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg)
Jeffrey Currier, of New York, seen from behind at right, holds up a peace sign as he marches with "Fifty Mermaids for Peace" in Coney Island's 25th Annual Mermaid Parade in the Brooklyn borough of New...   (Associated Press)
One of the world%u2019s most recognizable symbols turns 50 on Feb. 21, 2008.
One of the world%u2019s most recognizable symbols turns 50 on Feb. 21, 2008.   (Shutter Stock)
An US flag with the peace symbol instead of the stars show the universal recognition of the design.
An US flag with the peace symbol instead of the stars show the universal recognition of the design.   (Getty Images (by Event))
Anti-War activists in Italy use the peace symbol to protest the war in Iraq.
Anti-War activists in Italy use the peace symbol to protest the war in Iraq.   (Getty Images)
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Woman fined for peace sign-shaped wreath
Associated Press

 
protests • Vietnam War • Martin Luther King Jr. • peace sign • Gerald Holtom • Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament • civil rights movement

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