“40 years after the end of the Vietnam War, we must support the Vietnamese people who continue to suffer some of the most horrific legacies of that war. Contact your representative and demand that he or she co-sponsor H.R. 2114.”

-Majorie Cohn, Veterans For Peace Advisory Board [Read More]

 

Waging Peace and Justice

May 2015

 

In April, we focused on military spending and VFP members participated in GDAMS actions. We launched a “Move the Money” shirt to bring attention to the need to fund local communities. Also in April, the VFP Board met in St. Louis, MO and discussed the future of Veterans For Peace, current U.S war policies, and how VFP can be most effective in waging peace.  Across the country, VFP chapters tabled at Earth Day events to highlight the impact that militarism and war have on the environment. Right now, we are preparing for a busy month in May with many opportunities to get involved. Please join us in taking action in one or more of the following ways. If you would like a packet of tabling materials, please e-mail casey@veteransforpeace.org.

 

Sam’s Ride For Peace – May 9^th- 18^th (Asheville, NC to Washington, DC)

Please spread the word and help support VFP member Sam Wiensted’s 4^th annual Ride For Peace. Sam’s Ride for Peace will start at the Bell Tower on the NC State campus (2100 Hillsborough St., Raleigh) at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 9. Riders will travel to the NC State Capitol at One East Edenton St. After a brief stop, riders will continue their journey, arriving in Washington, DC, on May 16. Check out the Facebook Event for more info.

 

“Swords to Plowshares” Belltower - May 15^th-May 27^th (Washington, DC)

VFP will maintain a 24 hour vigil with the Belltower on the mall in Washington, DC. This is a huge opportunity with numerous visitors to the area in the two weeks leading up to Memorial Day. It is also a huge challenge. Please contact Roger at progerehrlich@gmail.com if you can be in the D.C. area during May and are able to volunteer to help with the Belltower. Even if you CANNOT come to DC please donate to this effort to assist with expenses of veterans and volunteers staffing the tower. 

 

VFP First Annual Lobby Days (Washington, DC; in your city)

Many VFP members have already RSVP'd to participate in VFP's first annual lobby days. You can still sign up! If you can’t make it to DC, you are encouraged to arrange meetings in local offices during that time. Check out the Facebook Event for more info. This year, our legislative priorities include:

-The Federal Budget and Pentagon Spending

-Support Diplomacy with Iran

-Support H. R. 1232 Stop Militarizing Police Act

-Support the Relief for Agent Orange Victims Act

Memorial Day: Full Disclosure of Vietnam Event (Washington, DC)

As part of the Full Disclosure campaign, we are asking all who were affected, directly or indirectly, by the war to write letters addressed to “The Wall” (the Vietnam Veterans Memorial) describing their experiences and sharing their grief over its devastating consequences. The project welcomes letters from both soldiers and civilians. The letters will be gathered and placed at The Wall on Memorial Day 2015. Check out the Facebook Event for more info. To send a letter by email: vncom50@gmail.com. To send in a hand written envelope: Full Disclosure; Veterans for Peace; 409 Ferguson Rd.; Chapel Hill, NC 27516. 

 

Looking Ahead:

June 20^th, 2015 - Golden Rule Christening in Samoa, CA [map]

Aug 5^th – 9^th, 2015 - VFP National Convention in San Diego CA

Aug 6^th, 2015 - Hiroshima Day (1945)

Aug 9^th, 2015 - Nagasaki Day (1945)

Aug 27^th, 2015 – Anniversary Signing of Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928)

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