Just on the Mpls/st paul peace bridge 3/19 at 4:30pm-5:30pm 11th anniversary U.S. war on Iraq
Dear Peacemakers,
This coming Wednesday, March 19, marks the eleventh anniversary of the start of the U.S. war on Iraq. We hope that you will join us at the Lake Street/Marshall Avenue Bridge vigil from 4:30 - 5:30 pm to remember the devastating effects of that war and to recommit ourselves to speak out against all wars and threats of war. This seems especially important as we witness the growing danger of a new cold war with Russia and others threats of U.S. military intervention around the world.
JOIN THE WEEKLY PEACE VIGIL:
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
4:30 - 5:30 pm
Lake Street/Marshall Avenue bridge over the Mississippi River between Minneapolis and St. Paul
With heavy heart and renewed determination, we will mark the eleventh anniversary of the outbreak of the illegal U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq. For many Americans, the withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from Iraq at the end of 2011 marked the end of U.S. involvement with Iraq.
However, even though U.S. combat forces are out, the war continues to have catastrophic effects in Iraq, and for the families of tens of thousands of U.S. veterans. Millions of Iraqis grieve the loss of loved ones killed by the U.S. military, while Americans mourn the deaths of thousands of our soldiers.
The conditions in Iraq today have their immediate origins in the imperialist and arrogant policies imposed by U.S. occupation forces. Depleted uranium from U.S. munitions is a continuing threat to the Iraqi environment and people.
Iraq war veterans suffer loss of limbs and eyes, long-term traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder. They suffer from homelessness, unemployment, and suicide disporportionate to their numbers in society.
Yet, even today, there are plans being made to increase the level of U.S. military aid and weapon sales to the government of Iraq. The last thing needed in Iraq today is more U.S. weapons and/or interference.
Members of Veterans for Peace are joining with the weekly bridge vigil sponsors, End War Committee of Women Against Military Madness and the Twin Cities Peace Campaign, to urge participation in the March 19 vigil to mark eleven years since the start of the war.
Let us stand together to speak out against the atrocities of war!
