During the summer of 1972, the Seattle-based People’s Blockade Coalition organized numerous protests to block U.S. Navy ammunition ships headed to Vietnam. The vessels, sailing from the ammunition depot at Bangor, on the Kitsap Peninsula, had to pass through the Hood Canal Bridge. Sections of this floating bridge had to slide open for boats of all sizes, and protesters used kayaks and rowboats to block the opening. At least once, they threw balloons filled with red paint at the vessels.

This poster advertises the goals and purposes of the blockades, asks for people and boats to participate, and solicits funds to support the group’s actions. A photo on the poster shows the S.S. Hastings passing through the Hood Canal floating bridge.

Caption information source: “Protest Action Explained”, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, June 29, 1972, page D19.
Caption information source: “Protesters Slow Down Ammo Ship”, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, August 13, 1972, page E1.