by Robert Vivar
Unified U.S. Deported Veterans, are deeply grateful for the love and support from all of Veterans For Peace and Vietnam Veterans Against The War/OSS, not only in helping us get to SOAW, but for the Love and Support that we received from the many new friends we made as well as those friends that again we joined for the second year at SOAW, Nogales. There are so many names in VFP/ VVAW-OSS that we want to thank that we would rather thank the organizations as a whole than too leave any name out. We do want to name two gentleman that truly live the motto “LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND”, Jan Ruhman and George Johnson, we thank you for your vision and support to establish a full Resource Center for Deported Veterans at the Tijuana San Ysidro Port of Entry, thus giving Unified U.S. Deported Veterans and VFP Sgt. Barrios Memorial Chapter #986, Baja Mexico a home.
Now I would like to share our experience during the SOAW encuentro Nogales 2017.
As we began to line up for the march the excitement was great for their were several elementary grade children who would participate and were very excited about marching with, U.S. Military Veterans. Banners out, flags waving in the air our United States flag at the center of the banners and flags, the march commenced. Approximately half way thru the march I was approached by one of the organizers informing me that a pro Palestine group was requesting we lower the US flag for they were feeling oppressed by such flag and it was a slap in the face to them, for that was their reason for protesting. At first I felt puzzled as I started to reason in my mind their point and our own point why we proudly waive the US flag. Suddenly I felt like Kapernick and those protesting Kapernick all at the same time who is right who is wrong. I could sense the ill feelings of our Palestine supporters in their faces. This is were I and I know many of those in our group felt the same. We sincerely sympathize with the struggle of Palestine for we too are being subjected to gross injustices at the hands of hateful greedy politician’s who are now in control of the US government. However we are not here to intimidate anyone, on the contrary we as Americans are here to show the world that, as Americans we are part of that segment of the United States population thru our families and friends and allies living in the USA, such as Veterans For Peace, that are here to unite as one in the struggle against the hate and oppression of a dysfunctional US government. Our decision was that putting our flag down would only serve the purpose of those we are protesting in continuing the division within our people. Our US Deported Veterans thru their service have earned the right to raise the United States flag and keep it flying high as a reminder of their willing to give their life for the U.S., and now to support those struggling to survive and bring peace to their country.
When Unified US Deported Veterans and Veterans For Peace were introduced on stage a few of those requesting us to removed our flag could be heard booing as we climbed on to the stage. The remainder of the day and Sunday Nov 12, several of us had the opportunity to meet some of those that had shown their discomfort in our flag. In the end we were pleased that many of them agreed that in fact instead of disrespectful we were showing support for their cause as we shook hands and exchanged contact information.
On another note it was an incredible experience to meet so many of our VFP/ VVAW/OSS brothers and sisters, their care, love and support were deeply felt, ours is a true brotherhood which is an HONOR to be a part of.
Back home in Tijuana’s Friendship park, we believe the border can be better secured thru an increase in the friendship and peace of both countries’, border communities by having a Bi National park were people of both countries can experience what we experienced in Nogales, making new friends and increasing the level of friendship of those we already call friends. Sign the petition!