Military families against the war

by: Jenny Noyce

North America: A memorial procession/protest from Dover, Delaware to Washington DC to honour and grieve for those killed in Iraq was held by families of American soldiers. The procession which took place from Sunday, March 14 to Monday, March 15 and included stops at the Dover Air Force Base (where bodies of soldiers are returned to the United States), the Walter Reed Army Medical Centre, and the White House. The event is the largest gathering yet of family members of American war personnel who oppose the war in Iraq.

While dealing with the loss of loved ones, a small number of military families have started to protest the war. Before the war began two families started Military Families Speak Out, only to have about four hundred families join when troops first crossed into Iraq and when bombing began. Although this minority may not have much of an impact, they voice doubts along with others, which are slowly being taken more seriously.
When Marianne Brown first joined in weekly peace vigils in front of her post office in South Haven, Michigan, she was shouted at and called a traitor. Attitudes are changing as she says, “Now we’re getting more thumbs-ups.”

Actively supporting peace is difficult, but the challenge is harder for military families as they must go forth with extra sensitivity, as they do not want to demoralize service members, endanger the future of a family member’s military career, or hurt other military families who may be mourning for fallen soldiers.

American troops are not the only ones with families who are raising issues. In Britain the families of six soldiers killed in Iraq are considering legal action against the Ministry of Defence for corporate manslaughter. This action is being taken because the MoD has refused to allow a public inquiry into the killings.

Fortunately, things may change for Spanish soldiers and their families as newly elected leader Jose Luis Rodriquez Zapatero pledged to bring Spanish troops back from Iraq by 30 June 2004.

For personal stories and campaign goals go to Military families speak out (http://www.mfso.org/) or Bring them home now (http://www.bringthemhomenow.org/)

For Iraq death toll go to http://www.iraqbodycount.net