Chelsea's Birthday. Dec. 17.

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Pvt. Chelsea Manning's fourth birthday in prison “When I chose to disclose classified information, I did so out of a love for my country and a sense of duty to others.”-Pvt. Manning On December 17, Private Chelsea Manning will turn 26. It will be the fourth birthday this young Army whistle-blower has spent in prison. Thanks to this brave soldier’s heroic actions, the public learned the following startling truths: Donald Rumsfeld and General Petraeus helped support torture in Iraq. Deliberate civilian killings by U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan went unpunished. Thousands of civilian casualties were never acknowledged publicly. Most Guantanamo detainees were innocent. “When I chose to disclose classified information, I did so out of a love for my country and a sense of duty to others.”-Pvt. Manning See even more of What WikiLeaks revealed While some of these documents may demonstrate how much work lies ahead in terms of securing international peace and justice, their release changed the world for the better. Private Manning’s actions showed people everywhere how citizens can use the Internet to hold their governments accountable. In Chelsea’s request for pardon from President Obama, she wrote: “As the late Howard Zinn once said, ‘There is not a flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.’ Private Manning’s brave actions have set an example for us all. Here are three important ways you can support Chelsea on her birthday: 1. Make a gift to the Private Manning Defense Fund. We are currently in the middle of a fund drive to raise $40,000 for her legal appeals and personal needs, including visits from family. 2. Send her a birthday message at: PVT Bradley E Manning 89289 1300 N Warehouse Rd Ft Leavenworth KS 66027-2304 USA Please note that regular letter paper must be used, as cardstock will be turned away. However, you can easily print out your own card by searching for “free birthday templates” online. 3. Hold a party with friends and neighbors to raise money for Chelsea’s legal defense. Whether a dinner party, cocktail party or concert, bringing people together for an evening of education and socializing is a great way to kindle some social consciousness and holiday spirit. On each person's way out the door, you can ask them to add a personal message on a joint birthday letter to Chelsea. If you want your party to be public, send information about your event to owen@bradleymanning.org Help us continue to cover 100% of Pvt. Manning's legal fees! Donate today.