4,000 US Dead- Join in Vigil |
Last year on this day, we all had hoped that we would not be gathering again. Regretfully, the time has now come to mourn as we call you to gather with us to share our heartfelt sorrow at this agonizing loss to our nation and our people. To
honor the 4,000 killed in Iraq, CODEPINK chapters are encouraged to
host a memorial vigil and/or rally to end the war within 24 hours after
the death of the 4000th soldier. Will you organize or join a vigil?
List your CODEPINK vigil here! Search for vigils in your area here at American Friends Service Committee OR
United For Peace and Justice 4,000 is just the tip of the iceberg. According to CBS, we currently have 120 veterans committing suicide every week or an average of 17 every day. One third of our female soldiers have reported to being raped or had an attempted rape during their service. Over 40,000 Iraq veterans have returned home with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, loss of limbs and/or severe head trauma. Their families now bear a heavy burden and are suffering from physical and mental abuse, loss of their homes, jobs and loved ones. Nobel Laureate Stephen
Stiglitz of Columbia and Harvard University public finance Professor
Laura Bilmes estimate War costs to be 3 trillion now and the service
(interest) on the debt alone will amount to $900 billion. Gas, Bread,
Milk and eggs have risen to all time highs in our country and the
dollar is pitiful in the world markets. It is not going to get any
better, any time soon. In fact, most experts are predicting even worse
economic times to come.
Two things to keep in mind
for planning these events. First, list your 4,000 vigil or action with
ALL of the national peace groups (see below) to insure getting the word
out to as many as possible. Remember to forward your alerts to ALL
of your local organizations and churches working for peace in your
local areas.
More news you should know...
|