Memorial Day 2006
    Iraq Veterans Against the War | Statement

    Monday 29 May 2006

    Iraq Veterans Against the War will spend this Memorial Day in its true meaning of remembrance and not in decadent celebrations of the three-day weekend, barbeques, discount sales events, and flag-waving which has come to replace the image of fallen service members in the minds of most Americans.

    We can not, will not, and must not forget those who have fallen from our ranks, and the ranks of previous generations, as we are they and they are we.

    No matter what your political affiliation, views of the war or personal convictions, the sacrifice of all those who wear the uniform is undeniable. Instead of celebrating this weekend, let's take this time to reflect on what personal sacrifice really means.

    Those men and women (over 17,000 of them) who return home from war maimed, missing limbs, or sustaining other major injuries have had their lives permanently changed and will forever struggle to have a normal life. As service members, we have lived with the constant anxiety of threats to our lives, have had our morals and consciences tested over and over, and have watched the lives of our friends and innocent Iraqis ripped apart. We will be scarred by those memories forever. The families who have been presented with a gold star know the depth of sacrifice that accompanies a lifetime of awakening without a dearest loved one.

    We as Veterans are left with a mere reflection of our lost brothers and sisters in arms. Let us use this reflection to call ourselves to action this Memorial Day, and let us renew our vigor to continue our work to end this current war.

    As a nation, many of us enjoy this day without questioning an administration that formulates a war plan based on lies, sends soldiers in harm's way without proper equipment, fires military personnel who question ill-prepared plans, and castigates civilians who, by speaking out, use and honor the very freedom those service members swear to protect.

    On this Memorial Day, join with IVAW to demand:

Bring all troops home NOW!
Take care of those troops when they get home!
Reparations for Iraq!