The Great Peace March for Global Nuclear Disarmament took place in 1986 starting in Los Angeles on March 1 and ending in Washington, D.C. on November 15. It was conceived by David Mixner, a professional organizer and political activist, as a protest calling for a verifiable comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, the non-militarization of space, a verifiable global freeze on nuclear weapons, and reduction in nuclear arms. In spite of staggering financial difficulties and administrative problems - Mixner's ProPeace organization had to declare bankruptcy - the historic cross-country journey continued and 1800 people entered the capital. It concluded with a candle light vigil at the reflection pool and an interfaith benediction led by Rabbi David Saperstein.

David Mixner, a political and gay-rights activist since the time of the 1968 Democratic National Convention, had organized with others the Vietnam Moratorium in 1969 and was part of the progressive movement in the Colorado Democratic Party during the 70s. He had managed Tom Bradley's mayoral campaign in Los Angeles in 1977 and Gary Hart's presidential campaign in 1984.

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