April 2005

 

Recap of "Veterans Speak Out: An Anti-War Speakers Panel"

On Saturday, April 16th, the Illinois Disciples Foundation (IDF) and the Progressive Resource/Action Cooperative jointly held “Veterans Speak Out: An Anti-War Speakers Panel.” Over 25 people came out to this free event despite it being one of the first nice days of the Spring!

The event showcased three speakers: Bill Davis, Meg Miner and Ray Parrish. Bill Davis is one of the national coordinators of Vietnam Veterans Against the War, an organization dedicated to fighting for peace, justice, and the rights of all veterans. Davis is also the president of Auto Mechanics Union Local 701. He served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War era. Meg Miner is retired from the US Air Force and served during the first Gulf War. She currently works as a librarian in central Illinois and is very active in the community, working on various social justice issues. Ray Parrish is the military counselor for the Vietnam Veterans Against the War’s Military Counseling Service. He is a former US Air Force Sergeant and served during the Vietnam War era.

At the beginning of the event, each panelist spoke for 15-20 minutes about anti-war issues that have affected them personally or that they have worked around. This was followed by a lively and constructive discussion.

The event was cosponsored by: 85% Coalition, Activist Forum, Anti-War Anti-Racism Effort (AWARE), El Centro por los Trabajadores, School for Designing A Society, Socialist Forum, St. Jude Catholic Worker House, St. Patrick’s Social Action Committee, UC Friends Meeting, and the Vietnam Veterans Against the War. The IDF and PRC would like to thank the panelists, the event cosponsors, and everyone who made the event a success!

Also check out:

Updated list of Anti-War Online Resources

Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) 2nd Anniversary of the Iraq War Statement

VVAW's Military Counseling Service (Great resources for GIs and vets)!