IVAW: Iraq Veterans Against the War to protest NATO in Chicago 5/20th

[annm4peace]

NATO CALL TO ACTION: MARCH WITH VETERANS FOR JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION



On May 20 IVAW Chicago wants you to join us as Afghanistan and Iraq veterans from around the country
converge in Chicago to march to the NATO summit and ceremoniously return our medals to NATO generals.

We were awarded these medals for serving in the Global War on Terror, a war based on lies and failed polices.
This endless war has killed hundreds of thousands, stripped the humanity of all involved,
and drained our communities of trillions of dollars, diverting funds from schools, clinics, libraries, and other public services.

We are happy to announce that our permit to rally and march has been approved by the City of Chicago.

So IVAW calls on all service members, veterans, Chicagoans, and everyone who believes in justice, dignity, and respect for all peoples to join us in the streets for a nonviolent demonstration and march.

When: Sunday May 20, 9AM Rally and March
Where: Rally at Grant Park South of the Lincoln Monument (E. Balbo Ave. and S. Columbus Dr.)

It is time for us to take a stand and make our voices heard. We stand in international solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and all the people of the world who are demanding their right to self-determination, their human rights, and economic justice.

Sponsors: Military Families Speak Out, Occupy Chicago, National Nurses United, Network for a NATO Free Future, United for Peace and Justice, ADAPT, US Labor Against the War, Vietnam Veterans Against the War, UE Western Region, WI Network for Peace and Justice, Peace Action, American Friends Service Committee, Michael Moore, Move the Money, Civilian Soldier Alliance, Voices for Creative Nonviolence, Chicago Democratic Socialists of America, Chicago Jobs With Justice, Rogers Park Food Not Bombs, UIUC GEO's Solidarity Committee


Sponsor a veteran to cover the cost of travel and housing for a IVAW member.
https://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5966/p/salsa/web/common/public/content?content_item_KEY=3055

We are organizing veterans from across the country to attend this historic action and they need your help to attend ($300 covers the cost of one veteran lets get 100 veterans out!).

Help cover the cost of the stage and sound for NATO (The stage and sound set up will cost ruffly $2000).

Help cover the cost of promotion for our NATO action (Fliers and posters printed at union shops will cost ruffly $800).

[idwiyo]

1. K&R Thank you for the link. Part of my next paycheck will be going to them.

[annm4peace]

2. that is awesome

many IVAW came to St Paul, MN for the RNC in 2008 and they marched to the Xcel center to give a letter to then President Candidate John McCain. Of course they were turned away but watching these Veterans and active military march together and make a statement was very empowering for them.

It was quite emotional to watch them get ready to march, to go to the fence and then to watch them afters. The Veterans for Peace were with them as well as Military Families Speak Out so the IVAW had much support emotionally and physically as the make this brave action.

Many of these IVAW don't have much money and some are unemployed and some are homeless.. The sponsorships really help them to be with their brothers and sisters as they speak out, and be with like minded Veterans. Often these recent returned Veterans are isolated in their towns or cities and want to speak out but they don't feel safe in doing so in their communities if there isn't other pro-peace veterans.

so thank you very much if you can donate, it really does help and might even save one their life.