Iraq Veterans Against the War Meet at DNC Convention

Iraq Veterans Against the War Meet at Democratic National Convention

IVAW members in Denver on Wednesday where they led a march of ten thousand to the Democratic National Convention to deliver a message to Barack Obama calling on the Democratic nominee to endorse the three main goals of IVAW: Immediate withdrawal, full veterans benefits, and reparations for the Iraqi people.

Following a packed show at the Denver Coliseum where Rage Against the Machine and the Flobots encouraged the crowd to join IVAW’s march, two squads of 25 IVAW members each formed up outside the venue and began marching to the Pepsi center. The squads were led by members in dress uniforms and combat uniforms, with thousands of supporters marching behind them in support.

When they arrived at the DNC, representatives of IVAW asked to meet with Barack Obama to present their message. After negotiations with the

Former Texas Lt Governor Ben Barnes came out of the convention to accept a letter from the IVAW members. Jeff Key, a former Marine said the IVAW members intended to stay in place until a representative from Obama’s campaign came out to talk with them.

"I’m a patient man. I’m not going anywhere,” Key said.

Key, a former Marine from Salt Lake City, and Liam Madden, a former marine from Boston, were then escorted into the convention where they met with Phil Carter, head of veterans affairs for the Obama campaign. IVAW is now waiting for a formal response to their request address the delegates from the podium.

Lt. Vince Porter of the Denver Police Department said the department coordinated the meeting with the secret service and Obama’s office.

“The police in Denver have been exceptional and very, very supportive,” Key said. “This cannot be an easy job for them either, and they’ve just been incredible.”

In between the political party convention, IVAW will have its own national gathering in conjunction with the national Veterans For Peace convention in Minneapolis.  On the occasion of IVAW’s fourth year anniversary, over 150 members will come together to celebrate our achievements, strategize, and plan for the future of GI resistance.  Members are travelling from across the country to attend, and need your help. Please consider sponsoring a member’s attendance with a donation today.

Four of these chapters are on military bases, and IVAW expects to have four more active duty chapters before the year ends. Many GIs are strongly against the war, but have no outlet for their resistance, no safe space to express their views outside of the base.  For the first time in IVAW history as an organization, 25% of new members are active duty troops, which tells us that enlisted GIs are stepping up more than ever to end this war.

"Thank you for your continued support" says Kelly Dougherty, Executive Director

OFFICIAL WEB SITE: Iraq Veterans Against the War:  www.ivaw.org