WASHINGTON, DC--Military veterans will lead a nonviolent act of civil resistance at the White House
Thursday, Dec. 16, at 10:00 a.m. to protest the ongoing U.S. wars and occupations. Veterans For Peace (VFP)
organizers expect this to be the largest veteran-led resistance since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan began.

Veterans are ready to risk their own personal liberty and are calling on others to do the same. VFP President
Mike Ferner sent a letter to President Obama Dec. 3, saying: "We will come in person to the White House to
meet with you or until we are dragged away in full view of our nation and the world--military veterans,
carrying their nation's flag, seeking a meeting with their President in the season of peace."

"We have killed over a million innocent people in these wars and made millions more homeless," says the
former Navy hospital corpsman, adding "Millions of Americans are out of work and literally out in the cold.
Clearly, our war economy values empire and death over jobs and real security. We are taking a stand for peace.
The troops, mercenaries and drones must come home now!"

After a brief rally at Lafayette Park, veterans and supporters from around the country will proceed to the White
House to deliver postcards to the President from thousands of Americans who want these wars stopped. Rally
speakers will include Daniel Ellsberg of Pentagon Papers fame; Ray McGovern, retired CIA analyst; Mr.
Ferner; Chris Hedges author and former New York Times war correspondent; Mike Prysner, Iraq vet and co-
founder, March Forward!; and Dr. Margaret Flowers, Congressional Fellow for Physicians for a National
Health Program. The speakers will then join the other resisters at the White House.

http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2010/12/13