Statement by Michael T. McPhearson, Executive Director of Veterans For Peace

April 29, 2006, March for Peace, Justice and Democracy

Veterans For Peace is a national organization with over a hundred chapters and thousands of members across the country. Founded in 1985, VFP membership includes men and women veterans from the Spanish Civil War (the Abraham Lincoln Brigade), World War II , Korea , Vietnam , the Gulf War, Afghanistan , Iraq , other conflicts and “peacetime.” Our collective experience tells us wars are easy to start and hard to stop and that those hurt are often the innocent. Thus, other means of problem solving are necessary. We draw on our personal experiences and perspectives gained as veterans to raise public awareness of the true costs and consequences of militarism and war - and to seek peaceful, effective alternatives.

Today we gather with Iraq Veterans Against the War, Vietnam Veterans Against the War, other veterans, military families, Gold Star families, friends and supporters to say stop the war in Iraq, Support the Troops, Bring Them Home Now and Take Care of Them When They Get Here!

It is clear that the people of the United States have been misled into an immoral war of aggression and greed. Our service members have been sent into harms way, not for the interest of the people but to further the goals of corporations and as part of an attempt at U.S. global military and economic domination. Civilian leaders who have taken the country to war and now allow its continuation appear not to care about the deaths and destroyed lives brought about by this conflict. As soldiers, we pledged to defend the constitution and protect our nation from enemies both foreign and domestic. It is clear to us as veterans that we are still on duty. We must stand up for those soldiers now serving. We must protect our constitution from domestic perils. We will not stand idly by and see the values we swore to protect trampled. It is time to change course. It is time to end the war in Iraq . U.S. troops are causing more harm than good. We must bring all of our soldiers home now and allow the Iraqi people to determine their own destiny. We must help the people of Iraq with technical expertise, civilian personnel where needed and provide funding as appropriate. It is the only honorable course of action.

As stated, VFP’s over arching mission is to end the use of war as a way to solve conflicts. We continue our service to the nation by working to move our country from a path of war to a path of international cooperation and peace. To achieve these goals, members of VFP pledge to use non-violent means and to maintain an organization that is both democratic and open with the understanding that all members are trusted to act in the best interests of the group for the larger purpose of world peace. We urge all people who share this vision to join us.

"Sow Justice, Reap Peace -- Strategies for Moving Beyond War"
2006 VFP Annual Convention
August 10-13, Seattle , WA www.vfpnationalconvention.org

Michael T. McPhearson
Veterans For Peace
Executive Director

314 725-6005

peace: One step at a time.

"Sow Justice, Reap Peace -- Strategies for Moving Beyond War"
2006 VFP Annual Convention
August 10-13, Seattle , WA
http://vfpnationalconvention.org/