Nobel Peace Prize nominee and activist Kathy Kelly will be offering several free educational events in Helena March 19 and 20 to mark the second anniversary of the U.S. Operation Shock and Awe, which Kelly observed on the ground in Baghdad as she accompanied Iraqi families under attack.

From 10 a.m.to noon on Saturday, March 19, Kelly will offer a workshop, "The Tragedy of the War Against Iraq: A Renewed Call for Peacemaking and Building Justice" at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1700 Missoula Ave.

Also on March 19 from 2-4 p.m. the public is invited to hear Kelly's presentation, "Eyewitness to War, Witness to Peace" in room 303 of the Montana State Capitol.

Kelly will describe her first-hand experience concerning the devastation and suffering of Iraqi civilians caused by the current U.S. war and occupation, by the 1991 Gulf War, and by 1991-2003 economic sanctions.

During the event, which will include music by Robert Turgeon, Kelly will be presented with a Montana Peace Seekers Network award.

Kelly has been to Iraq 20 times since her 1996 trip taking medicines and toys to Iraqi children in violation of U.S. sanctions.

On Saturday evening, the public is invited to dinner with Kelly at 5:30 p.m. at Covenant Methodist Church, 2330 Broadway.

At 7 p.m., Kelly will speak on "Counter Terror by Building Justice: A Vision for a Sustainable, Peaceful Alternative to the War on Terror."

There will be music by Rick Gildroy and Chuck Porte.

On Sunday, March 20, from 8-10 a.m., Helena area activists are invited to breakfast with Kelly, who will speak to "Unite and Inspire the Activists."

Kelly's visit is sponsored by the Helena Peace Seekers (www.helenapeaceseekers.org) and a coalition of Helena churches and other organizations.

All events are free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted to support the work of Kelly's organization, Voices in the Wilderness.

Call Katie Knight, 457-1827.