The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) organized a significant demonstration in London to promote the cause of nuclear disarmament, reflecting growing public concern over the dangers of nuclear weapons during the Cold War era. With the Soviet Union and the United States engaged in an arms race, many people felt compelled to take a stand against the threat of nuclear war. The CND peace symbol, designed by artist Gerald Holtom, was unveiled to the public during this event, resonating deeply with the protestors' calls for peace.

The symbol itself, a combination of the semaphore signals for the letters 'N' and 'D' (standing for Nuclear Disarmament), was adopted quickly and started appearing across various protests and movements around the world. The demonstration included speeches from prominent activists, artists, and political figures who rallied support for the nuclear disarmament cause. The sight of thousands of participants carrying the CND symbol helped to establish a visual representation of anti-nuclear sentiment, which spread beyond the UK.

In the years that followed, the CND peace symbol became one of the most recognized icons of the peace movement globally, transcending its initial context. Various anti-war groups in other countries adapted the symbol, using it to advocate against military interventions and militarization, highlighting its enduring relevance in peace advocacy. The event and its emblem helped catalyze a larger social movement dedicated to questioning the ethics of nuclear arms and advocating for peace, influencing subsequent protests throughout the 20th century.