Now symbolizing peace, the emblem was devised by Bertrand Russel and is a combination of two semaphores (signals with flags), N and D, meaning Nuclear Disarmament. When turned upside down the symbol is the ancient symbol for man.
Tom Benton, a devoted peace activist, organized a memorable anti-war protest and peace march to the home of U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara in Old Snowmass. Because of his objections to the Vietnam War, Benton refused to let McNamara leave his driveway during the protest
“He considered it a moral dilemma that (McNamara) couldn’t escape,” recalled former Aspen Mayor Bill Stirling.
Tom Benton with Robert McNamara
Benton also organized a protest in 1969 against a nuclear detonation in Rulison, Colorado. Benton marched to Rulison with supporters and distributed posters with bright radioactive symbols along with the words, ”No Contamination Without Representation” and “Stop the Military Industrial Complex”.
“Throughout his career Tom remained steadfastly loyal to rock solid values and committed to sending his political message through his art. He’s always been a very courageous spokesman both through his art and his politics for issues related to peace and the environment.” -Pitkin County Sheriff Bob Braudis