Catholic Worker Peace Witness outside the Cleveland National Air Show

Rosenbaum Plaza (“warplanes plaza”) between the Burke Airport terminal building and the gates to the Air Show.

10 a.m. - Noon

For more than two decades, the Cleveland Catholic Worker has conducted a peace witness or peaceful protest outside the gates of the Cleveland National Air Show over Labor Day weekend. The organization objects to the glorification of weapons of war presented as family entertainment.

The organization admits it can appreciate the fascination and wonder at the miracle of flight, however it states it strongly objects to the overwhelming military presence at this event—both the military recruiting stations and the presentation of military aircraft (designed and used to bomb and kill) as entertainment.

The organization also cites the cost of the event, stating one fighter jet can cost upwards of $30 million in taxpayer dollars.
The Catholic Worker Community seeks to be peacemakers by taking care of the physical and spiritual needs of of others and opposing all preparations for war. The organization states it supports “works of mercy” rather than the “works of war,” holding the belief "that each of us is called to take personal responsibility to improve the well-being of others and to create a more peaceful world."

For more information, call 216.961.5730