the memory palace Episode 237: Vigil
Oct 2, 2025
Delve into the incredible story of a peace vigil that began in 1980, as William Thomas camped out by the White House to protest nuclear weapons. Discover the lives of vigil keepers like Conchita Pechotto and Ellen Benjamin, who dedicated decades to this ongoing protest. Hear tales of arrests, perseverance, and the daily realities of maintaining a vigil against the odds. This poignant narrative reveals how a humble tent became a powerful symbol of morality, reminding society of the ever-present dangers of nuclear policy.
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Guidebooks Treat Protest As Landmark
- The Berlitz Guide once treated the tent as a Washington sight worth visiting, placing civil disobedience alongside monuments.
- Institutional recognition can normalize persistent protest as part of a city's story.
The Tent That Became A Lifework
- William Thomas began a continuous protest tent outside the White House in 1981 to oppose nuclear weapons and U.S. policy.
- He lived a wandering, religiously motivated life before settling into a decades-long visible vigil for peace.
Conchita Found Purpose At The Tent
- Conchita Pechotto joined Thomas after literally meeting him on a bus and became a core keeper of the vigil.
- She found purpose at the tent while dealing with personal struggles and stayed for decades despite health issues.