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The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Veterans for Peace
Contact: Email:,press@veteransforpeace.org

Veterans Plan Armistice Day Events in Cities Across the U.S.

Veterans For Peace chapters across the United States are gathering to "Reclaim Armistice Day" the original intention of Veteran's Day.

Almost a hundred years ago the world celebrated peace as a universal principal. The first World War had just ended and nations mourning their dead collectively called for an end to all wars. Armistice Day was born and was designated as "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated."

ST. LOUIS, MO.

Veterans For Peace chapters across the United States are gathering to "Reclaim Armistice Day" the original intention of Veteran's Day.

Almost a hundred years ago the world celebrated peace as a universal principal. The first World War had just ended and nations mourning their dead collectively called for an end to all wars. Armistice Day was born and was designated as "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated."

After World War II, the U.S. Congress decided to rebrand November 11 as Veterans Day. Honoring the warrior quickly morphed into honoring the military and glorifying war. Armistice Day was flipped from a day for peace into a day for displays of militarism.

Veterans For Peace has taken the lead in lifting up the original intention of November 11th - as a day for peace. As veterans we know that a day that celebrates peace, not war, is the best way to honor the sacrifices of veterans. We want generations after us to never know the destruction war has wrought on people and the earth. <To Read Full Statement>

Veterans Available For Interviews

Michael McPhearson
Executive Director of Veterans For Peace

MILITARY SERVICE: He was a field artillery officer in the 24th Mechanized Infantry Division during Desert Shield /Desert Storm. Michael joined the Army Reserve in 1981. He is a ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate of Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina. His military career includes 6 years of reserve service and 5 years of active duty service. He separated from active duty in 1992 as a Captain.

PROFESSIONAL: Former co-chair of the Saint Louis based Don't Shoot Coalition that formed in the aftermath of Michael Brown's police killing death in Ferguson, MO. From August 2010 to September 2013, Michael worked as the National Coordinator with United For Peace and Justice. He is a former board member of Veterans For Peace and as well as Executive Director from 2005 to 2010. He worked closely with the Newark based People's Organization for Progress and the Saint Louis centered Organization for Black Struggle. Michael is a member of the National Association of Colored People, The American Civilian Liberties Union and Military Families Speak Out. Michael's son, now an Army veteran himself; served a tour in Iraq in 2005 to 2006.

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Veterans For Peace is a global organization of Military Veterans and allies whose collective efforts are to build a culture of peace by using our experiences and lifting our voices. We inform the public of the true causes of war and the enormous costs of wars, with an obligation to heal the wounds of wars. Our network is comprised of over 140 chapters worldwide whose work includes: educating the public, advocating for a dismantling of the war economy, providing services that assist veterans and victims of war, and most significantly, working to end all wars.

(314) 725-6005
www.VeteransForPeace.org
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