What is International Drug User's Day (IDUD)
The IDUD is something that is not celebrated in the US. It is Novemeber 1st and the first celebration was in Holland (where else) and most of the big celebrations since have been there. But this year BF hosted the main event in Denmark and the US NAMA contingent was very lucky to be there and participate. Usually there are several celebrations across Europe.
IDUD is a day of drug user activism and celebration as well as a day of remembering our fallen comrades and those who have passed because of harsh drug laws.
It began with socializing and a lunch at BF.
Honoring Those We Miss
After having lunch everyone jumped in the bus to go the memorial site. Here an Apple Tree was planted and we know it will grow and become a place where those we have lost from drug use are remembered. A solemn moment of silent was given to honor those that are no longer with us.
Read Joergen Kjaer's Memorial Speech from last July.
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The Memorial Site
With the flowers laid down Joergen begins to plant the tree. Denmark as the host nation removed the first shovel of dirt for the Apple Tree planting. One person from each country then removed some dirt, Howard Lotsof took the shovel for the United States.
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A Picture is Posed
Standing behind the newly planted tree are the dignitaries. Top: Howard, Lotsof, Norma Alexander, Joergen Kjaer and Joycelyn Woods. Bottom: Top row is Theo van Dam and Stan Ritzer of LSD Nederland.
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A View from the Memorial
Looking from the park and down the stairway to the street. The park and area is quite a large area that can't be missed
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Looking Through the Open Park
A view of the tree that will grow with the park behind. The flowers were laid in front of the tree.
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The Memorial Site
This past summer BF took stones -- one for each narcodeath in 2002 and painted names on them and put them at the opening of several parks. From this came a memorial in the summer at the park where they got permission to plant the tree.
Pictures
Top: The Memorial this summer.
2nd & 3rd: Flowers on the Memorial
Bottom: A picure of the stones.
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