November 23, 2025 — At a spirited No War on Venezuela rally in San Francisco, the US Peace Memorial Foundation presented the 2025 US Peace Prize to longtime antiwar organizer Gerry Condon, honoring more than five decades of courageous resistance to U.S. militarism and nuclear weapons.
The ceremony, attended by activists from across the country, opened with a stark message: the United States remains a nation deeply shaped by war. In remarks delivered by the Foundation, the audience was reminded that the country’s military footprint—from the genocide against Indigenous peoples to the post-9/11 bombing campaigns in the Middle East and North Africa—has left a trail of destruction unmatched in modern history.
“During my lifetime, the U.S. has bombed at least thirty countries, killing millions and maiming tens of millions more,” the Foundation’s president stated. “Since World War II, no other country has murdered and injured more people.” The speech emphasized that while soldiers and wars are publicly celebrated, Americans who work for peace are often marginalized or vilified—reinforcing a culture of war that has “spiraled out of control.”
Honoring Those Who Resist War
Founded in 2005, the US Peace Memorial Foundation is the only U.S. organization dedicated solely to honoring antiwar activists, documenting their work in the US Peace Registry, awarding the annual US Peace Prize, and raising funds to build a future national peace monument.
Since 2009, the US Peace Prize has recognized influential peace advocates including:
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Friends Committee on National Legislation
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National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth
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Costs of War
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World BEYOND War
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Christine Ahn
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Ajamu Baraka
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David Swanson
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Ann Wright
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Veterans For Peace
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Kathy Kelly
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CODEPINK
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Chelsea Manning
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Medea Benjamin
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Noam Chomsky
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Dennis Kucinich
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Cindy Sheehan
This year’s finalists—Gerry Condon, Joseph Gerson, National Priorities Project, and Timmon Wallis—were selected from an extensive roster of nominees documented in the Peace Registry.
A Life of Defiance and Dedication
In announcing the award, the Foundation highlighted Gerry Condon’s lifetime of nonviolent resistance, beginning with his refusal to deploy to Vietnam in 1968. Instead of participating in the war, Condon publicly denounced the draft, deserted the U.S. Army, and became a leading voice in the GI resistance movement.
Over the decades, Condon has written extensively on war abolition, nuclear disarmament, and the fight against genocide; given speeches around the world; coordinated international delegations; and traveled to conflict zones to stand with communities most harmed by U.S. military action.
His leadership roles include serving as president of Veterans For Peace, president of the Golden Rule Committee—which coordinates voyages of the historic anti-nuclear sailboat Golden Rule—and decades of organizing with the Task Force on the Americas.
2025 US Peace Prize Citation
The Foundation formally presented the award with the following citation:
“For Courageous Resistance to War, Long-term Leadership of Veterans For Peace & Opposition to Nuclear Weapons.”
As Condon accepted the award to warm applause, the Foundation emphasized that this recognition is more than symbolic: it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for public resistance to U.S. militarism.
“Thank you, Gerry, for your crucial work to end U.S. war, militarism, threats of war, and nuclear weapons,” the presenter said. “The US Peace Prize will help call attention to and reinforce your important work for peace.”
The ceremony closed with a renewed call for Americans to speak out, organize, and challenge a political system where war is normalized and peace remains marginalized.
“Ending the U.S. culture of war begins with honoring those who dare to oppose it,” the Foundation affirmed. “By celebrating these role models, we help spark the cultural shift our nation desperately needs.”