Statements From Veterans about Oct. 7
Why I Will Be There
Dud Hendrick, US Naval Academy, Vietnam Veteran, USAF 1963-1967
I have read and re-read the statements made by my fellow veterans. Their passion has reinforced and fueled my own and I am reminded, as many have said, that I have no choice but to be in NYC on October 7th, standing in solidarity in objection to what our country has done and continues to do around the globe.
I, too, am a Vietnam veteran who volunteered to serve there for specious reasons. My awakening came late which has made me all the more deeply committed to demand accountability---of myself, but also, of our leaders who take us toward more violence and militarism.
Those of us who will be in NYC object to the 10pm closing of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza, a closure that clearly symbolizes the blatant forsaking of veterans and other victims of war. But, on a grander scale we will be continuing our campaign, per the Veterans for Peace Statement of Purpose, to abolish war as an instrument of national policy.
For more statement frrom vets go to http://www.stopthesewars.org/veterans-statements-about-october-7/