For Immediate Release
Jean Stevens, CODEPINK national media coordinator, 508-769-2138
Rae Abileah, CODEPINK local groups coordinator, 415-994-1723
CODEPINK Women Across America to Mark Iraq War's Sixth Anniversary
Call for immediate withdrawal from Iraq, aid to Afghanistan, end to war economy
Nationwide - To recognize and mourn six tragic years of war in Iraq, CODEPINK
women across America on its anniversary this year will host rallies,
film screenings, marches and conferences, connecting the failing U.S.
economy with continued military spending.
WHAT: Events nationwide organized around sixth anniversary of Iraq War, occupation of Afghanistan
WHEN: March 14 to March 20
WHERE: Cities and towns across America
This March 14 to 21, most will call on Pres. Obama to keep his
campaign promise to withdraw all troops from Iraq by early 2010, urge
him to stop any military efforts in Afghanistan and rely on diplomacy
first and last. They will also call for investigation and prosecution
of U.S. officials, proper care for American veterans and refugees.
"After six devastating years of war, thousands of people from San
Francisco to Central Florida are planning inspiring marches, vigils,
film screenings and more to continue the call for end to war, proper
care for veterans, and a reinvestment in America," said Rae Abileah,
CODEPINK's local groups' coordinator. "In every pocket of the country
this month, they'll tell Obama they want U.S.-Middle East foreign
relations to be replaced with diplomacy and peaceful solutions."
Born in the lead up to the Iraq War in 2003, CODEPINK Women for Peace
has become a vibrant, creative voice in the peace movement, an outlet
especially for women in the United States and worldwide. The consistent
hard work of thousands in more than 200 chapters worldwide has helped
to turn public opinion against the atrocities of the wars in Iraq,
Afghanistan and Gaza.
Nearly two dozen sixth anniversary events are planned thus far
nationwide, and more are currently being finalized. For updated information,
please visit the CODEPINK website here.
Tempe, AZ: March 19
• 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Vigil, talk
with Robert Reich, Secretary of Labor under Pres. Clinton, and social @
Arizona State University.
Contact: Liz Hourican at endthewarcoalition@cox.net
Bay Area, CA: March 19-21
• Week of actions include United for Peace and Justice vigils at BART stations.
• 11 a.m. March 21 Rally/march from Justin Herman Plaza (Embarcadero) to Civic
Center Plaza.
Led by the ANSWER coalition. Contact: rae@codepinkalert.org. For more information, visit here.
Washington, DC: March 21
• 12 p.m March on the Pentagon to say “Bring the Troops Home NOW!” begins @ 23rd & Constitution.
More than 1,300 organizations and individuals have endorsed. Contact: Blaine Clarke, blaine@codepinkalert.org.
Largo, Fl.: March 19
• 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All day
rally calling for immediate withdrawal of troops, closing of bases @ Clock Tower, City Park.
Hosted by Florida Peace Action Network. Contact" Heidi Ferrara, heidi@riseuptampabay.com.
Melbourne, Fl.: March 28
• 2 p.m. Mass march from @ Front Street
Park (2205 Front Street) to Melbourne City Hall.
Hosted by Patriots for Peace, Humanists for Peace, and Central Florida Veterans for Peace. Contact: Jeff Nall, sabletide@yahoo.com .
Fort Myers, Fl.: March 19
• 12 p.m. "Eyes Wide Open!" shoe display of fallen Iraqi
civilians and US Troops @ Centennial Park, downtown Fort Myers at the
river.
Sponsored
by Environmental and Peace Education Center, AFSC, Military Families
Speak Out, CODEPINK SW FL. Contact: Holley Rauen, hrauen@comcast.net.
Tampa, Fl.: March 19
• 4:30 to 6 p.m. Protest of six years of illegal occupation,
call for jobs and education @ Federal Courthouse, 801 N Florida Ave,
Tampa.
Sponsored by CODEPINK Tampa Bay, Citizens for Sanity. Contact: Heidi Ferrara, heidi@riseuptampabay.com.
Chicago: March 14
• 12 to 2 p.m. - March and rally
calling for end to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Palestine occupations @ the
corner of Cermak Road & Marshall Blvd. to Loomis Street (stage set
up in the street) between 18th & 19th Streets.
Contact: Pat Hunt, codepinkchicago@yahoo.com.
Wichita, KS: March 20
• 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Speak out against the wars -- Afghanistan,
Iraq and Palestine -- @ East 2nd and Mead at the Warren Old Town Square.
Sponsored by Peace and Social Justice Center, Women's International
League for Peace and Freedom and others. Contact: Peace Center, staff@wichitapeace.org.
Muskegon, MI: March 21
• 12:30 to 6 p.m. Day of
workshops and round-table discussions surrounding veterans' concerns @
Bethany Christian Reformed Church, 1105 Terrace St.
Sponsored by CODEPINK, Community of Veterans, Muskegon County Department of Veterans Affairs and more. Contact Terrie Hampel at terrieham@hotmail.com.
Columbia, MO: March 21
• 1 p.m. Rally to end the wars @ Courthouse Square, 814 E Walnut.
Sponsored by Columbia Peace Coalition, St. Louis Instead of War Coalition. Contact Mid Missouri Peaceworks at mail@midmopeaceworks.org
Kansas City, MO: March 22
• 2 p.m. Screening of "War Made Easy" film, narrated by Sean Penn, @ organizer's home.
For location, contact Deanna Kline at klinedeanna@rocketmail.com.
New York, NY: March 19
• 6 p.m. Documentary "Operation Lysistrata" screening with panel discussion @ Int'l Youth Hostel, 891 Amsterdam Ave.
Sponsored by CODEPINK NYC, Peace Action New York and others. Contact: Nancy Kricorian, nancy@codepinkalert.org.
Philadelphia: March 19
• 12 p.m. Rally on March 19
at Philadelphia City Hall, Market & Broad Sts.
Sponsored by Brandywine Peace Community, Delaware River Area CODEPINK and more. Contact: Domenic Roberti, droberti@sju.edu.
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CODEPINK is a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, stop new wars, and redirect our resources into healthcare, education, green jobs and other life-affirming activities. CODEPINK rejects foreign policies based on domination and aggression, and instead calls for policies based on diplomacy, compassion and a commitment to international law. With an emphasis on joy and humor, CODEPINK women and men seek to activate, amplify and inspire a community of peacemakers through creative campaigns and a commitment to non-violence.