September, 10 2013, 04:36pm EDT
Thousands Attend Anti-War Vigils in 165 Cities, Urge Congress to Oppose Syria Strikes
In advance of President Obama's speech today, more than 165 candlelight vigils were held nationwide last night as part of a national day of action to oppose the President's request for Authorization for Use of Military Force in Syria.
WASHINGTON
In advance of President Obama's speech today, more than 165 candlelight vigils were held nationwide last night as part of a national day of action to oppose the President's request for Authorization for Use of Military Force in Syria.
The vigils were hosted by MoveOn.org Civic Action members, in collaboration with members of CREDO Action, Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC), USAction, and the Win Without War coalition and took place at 165 locations in 41 states. MoveOn's campaign against the use of military force in Syria has been covered by over 1000 local and national news outlets in the last two days.
VIEW PHOTOS, TWEETS, AND NOTABLE EVENTS FROM THE VIGILS HERE: https://storify.com/MoveOn/dontbombsyria/
"MoveOn members have made very clear they want a peaceful resolution to the Syria crisis," explained Anna Galland, executive director of MoveOn.org Civic Action. "They do not support military intervention in Syria and oppose any Authorization of Force that grants the President the ability to bomb Syria."
In Albany, New York, MoveOn members urged Representatives Paul Tonko, Bill Owens and Chris Gibson, as well as Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, to avoid war and vote against the Authorization for Use of Military Force resolution that could be debated in Congress this week. The vigil was attended by reporters from local news stations WTEN, WRGB and WNYT.
READ MORE FROM NEWS 10 HERE: https://www.news10.com/story/23376570/candlelight-vigils-to-protest-bomb...
In Atlanta, Georgia, the Associated Press reported that MoveOn members and activists rallied in Woodruff Park to urge Representative John Lewis to vote against authorizing military intervention in Syria. Local news stations WAGA and WSB reported extensively on the vigil in the evening and morning news reports.
READ MORE FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS HERE: https://www.macon.com/2013/09/09/2654682/atlanta-rally-to-protest-potent...
In Boston, Massachusetts, more than 200 people gathered at the Boston Commons for a candlelight vigil against the authorization for use of military force in Syria. MoveOn event organizer Liz King was interviewed by WBZ-FM, and reporters from WHDH and WCVB news stations attended and covered the rally.
READ MORE FROM BOSTON UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER: https://dailyfreepress.com/2013/09/10/hundreds-gather-in-common-to-prote...
The vigils come on the heels of MoveOn.org's release of a new 30-second television ad, which is airing on MSNBC this week, urging Congress to reject the Authorization for Use of Military Force in Syria. Using images reminding viewers of Iraq and Afghanistan, the ad says, "Don't lead us down this road again."
VIEW THE AD HERE: https://front.moveon.org/syriatvad/
For more information on the vigils, or for interviews with MoveOn.org, please contact Brett Abrams at 516-841-1105 or by email at brett@fitzgibbonmedia.com.
MoveOn is where millions mobilize for a better society--one where everyone can thrive. Whether it's supporting a candidate, passing legislation, or changing our culture, MoveOn members are committed to an inclusive and progressive future. We envision a world marked by equality, sustainability, justice, and love. And we mobilize together to achieve it.
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