Supporting Veterans Means Ending War

I appreciate this Veteran's Day message from Maggie Martin, co-director of Iraq Veterans Against the War:

I'm writing to you from Tucson, AZ, where our veterans' delegation is joining School of the Americas (SOA) Watch in their decades-long movement to end U.S. militarism in Latin America and to call attention to the growing militarization of the U.S./Mexico border. I can't imagine a more powerful way to spend my Veterans Day weekend, when most of the country will be celebrating war through parades and events that honor US veterans but pay little mind to the immeasurable damage (from massacres to forced migration) that our military has caused.

Across the country in New York City, our members are equally committed to raising their voices against militarism. This week, a brand new member, Brittany DeBarros, led our New York City Chapter in making this video for our #SupportVetsRESIST social media campaign. Over the weekend, vets from Arizona to New York will highlight just how tired we are of being used as props to justify violence and occupation -- and how we are instead standing with movements against militarism, white supremacy, and hate.

As members Brittany and Anthony Gonzalez share:

"This year, we are laying claim to Veterans Day to say supporting veterans means demanding a better America. Supporting veterans means ending war. Support us by standing with us, or kneeling with us, but don't hide behind us."

Join us as we change the narrative this Veterans Day.

There are countless more events happening this week, and our members are taking action in these ways amongst others:

• Bringing an anti-war message to the Colorado Veterans Day Parade
• Helping lead an action in Chicago to demand full staffing of the VA Hospital
• Holding an NYC Drop the MIC event (you can check out the video here), where our movement partners spoke about communities resisting U.S. violence in Iraq, Korea, the Philippines, and more

As we continue our critical work this November, we're grateful to have you in our corner. We wouldn't be here without you. 

In Solidarity,

Maggie Martin
Co-Director Iraq Veterans Against the War