FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 9, 2013

Contact: Alli McCracken, CODEPINK Organizer, 860.575.5692, Alli@codepink.org

Medea Benjamin, CODEPINK Co-founder, 415.235.6517, medea@codepink.org

CODEPINK Activists Host Candlelight Vigil in DC to Oppose US Strike on Syria

What: Candlelight vigil calling on Congress to vote “no” to war on Syria

When: 7:00 pm

Where: Across from Longworth Congressional Building, at the corner of New Jersey and Independence Avenue, Washington DC

Washington, DC -- At 7:00 pm hundreds of peace advocates will converge for a nationwide coordinated vigil organized by the groups CODEPINK, MoveOn, CREDO, and the Win Without War Coalition. The vigil will mourn the innocent victims of the bloodshed in Syria, with hope for an end to the violence through a ceasefire, negotiations, and aid for the refugees, not military intervention. Among those attending the vigil will be Alan Grayson (D-FL 9th District), CODEPINK co-founders Jodie Evans and Medea Benjamin as well as Adam Green, Co-Founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC).

The peace group CODEPINK has set up an outdoor camp known as the ‘Peace Insurrection' outside of the Longworth House Building at the corners of Independence and New Jersey Avenues where they are spending 24 hours a day until the House votes on Syria. They also have an "office" at the cafeteria of the Rayburn building, where they are directing citizen lobbyists from.

All day long, activists have been calling and visiting elected representatives, especially those who are "undecided." They will be making a group visit to the offices of Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Rep. John Boehner, expressing their outrage that contrary to the wishes of the overwhelming majority of Americans, these leaders support the attack.

“Throughout the 40 years I have been a political activist, I've never witnessed such a quick and organized mobilization of the public to say No to war,” commented co-founder of CODEPINK Jodie Evans. “Tonight events are springing up across the country-- and the world-- to say No War on Syria, no to the “red line” of blood of innocent victims killed during US military invasions.”

“Our Congresspeople need to see the grassroots opposition as they return to Washington DC to cast their vote on Syria,” said CODEPINK co-founder Medea Benjamin. “There's already an insurrection in the heartland of America, with people rising up at their Congressional offices and in town hall meetings, saying no to this war. Now we're bringing this insurrection to the heart of Washington DC.”

Activists and organizers are available for interviews, contact CODEPINK organizer Alli McCracken to schedule one at 860 575 5692.

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