Friday, March 21, 2014

VIGIL AGAINST THE DRONES OUTSIDE THE GATES OF VOLK FIELD

4th TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2014  FROM  3:30-4:30 pm

A past vigil at Volk Field drew an enthusiastic crowd
 to speak out against drone killing and surveillance.

Dear Friends,
WHY WE MUST CONTINUE TO VIGIL 
Recent reports show how our government's policy of  "remote control killing" continues and what the results are.  On March 10, the United Nations expert overseeing the use of armed drones  demanded greater accountability and transparency by those states using them – including public investigations into allegations of civilian casualties.

A March 6 article reports that as the  United States steps up covert drone strikes on Yemen, with three suspected U.S. drone attacks killing at least four people in Yemen early this week, campaigners on the ground say the accumulated years spent living under constant threat of death from above are sowing tragedy, "psychological torture," and resistance across the country.  

To get to the vigil, take the Camp Douglas exit off Interstate 90/94 between Mauston and Tomah.  When you exit turn right on County Rd. C to the northeast.  You will see the base straight ahead, but follow County Rd. C to the right and within a few blocks is a picnic wayside.  Since the wayside is closed for the winter, we will park on the side of the road.

We will gather at the wayside between 3:00-3:15 for introductions and to review the plan for the vigil, and then process together to the gates of the base where we will hold a solemn vigil for one hour to remember those killed by drones.  Participants can stand in silence or read poems and stories about the effects of drone warfare.  It is important that the voices of the victims be brought to the gates of Volk Field.

Bring posters if you can.  This is a legal vigil on public property outside the gates. We'll also be standing in solidarity with Joy who will be part of an action in Washington D.C. 

A WORD ABOUT THE WEATHER 
It could be very cold so dress warm with extra layers.  If the wind chill is really low or if there is a winter storm warning, please check with Bonnie (608-256-5088 or 608-230-0569) to see if the vigil will be canceled because of weather.

CARPOOLING
Please try to carpool.  If you’re in the Madison area, we will meet in the parking lot of East Towne Mall between JC Penney and the Firestone Auto Care Store.   Be there around 1:20 so we can take as few cars as possible and be on the road by 1:30.  Thanks.

HOPE YOU CAN COME
We hope to see you at the vigil on Tuesday, March 25th, 2014.  If you can’t come this time, mark your calendar for the 4th Tuesday of every month and join us when you can.  And watch for an e-mail on special plans for April as part of a  nationwide campaign to ground the drones.  If you have any questions please email Joy joyfirst5@gmail.com or Bonnie at blbb24@att.net
Peace,
Joy and Bonnie

Spring Days of Drone Action 2014