Veterans Working Together for Peace and Justice Through Non-violence
September 14, 2001
VETERANS FOR PEACE, INC. STRESS THOUGHTFUL ACTION IN RESPONSE
TO WORLD TRADE CENTER AND PENTAGON HORROR - SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
Veterans For Peace, Inc., an organization of men and women who
have served in the military and know the costs of war and terrorism
as intimately as anyone can, consider the hijacked airplane attacks
on the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon a grievous assault
upon innocence; a cause for outrage, sadness and disbelief--indeed
the full range of emotions that must arise from such violence
happening within the borders of our homeland.
Our hearts are full of anguish for the as-yet uncounted civilians
who have died. We embrace the families they leave behind with
a grief that echoes their own. Many of us recognize, yes, even
bear, the same scars forming within the survivors.
On September 11, 2001 we witnessed the extent to which this century’s
cycles of violence have escalated to bring down the most visible
symbols of power in the world. Many of us feel an overwhelming
need to strike back, somehow, even blindly.
At this critical point, we believe it is essential to recognize
that terrorists do not represent, nor are representative, of any
community or country as a whole. We must not allow terrorism the
power to create fear, suspicion and hatred -- or to direct our
nation's domestic and foreign policies. We must not surrender
to the cycle of retaliatory violence these angry people would
push us into. Instead, we must come together and support each
other, with faith and trust.
We do not believe this is a naïve concept; rather, that
it is a practical exercise that honors those whose experiences
have taught them that there is a viable alternative to war and
the cycle of violence. We hear the trumpets and drumbeats of retaliation,
but in our hearts, we know that America can play another tune;
one of reason and rationality, and respect for human life.
When the nation has digested the indigestible, we believe it
must ask this question:
“Will military build-up, attacks upon foreign nations suspected
of harboring terrorists, the suspension of cherished civil liberties--the
creation of Fortress America, with battlements flung around the
world--guarantee the safety of our citizens and preserve the freedoms
defined by our Constitution?”
We condemn the violence perpetrated on America, but see clearly
that the time for understanding cause and effect is now upon us.
We must recognize this need, and change our actions to benefit
the disenfranchised, understand the issues of power and its global
effects, and seek a course of justice that will disable the cause
of terrorism and render harmless the potential for devastation.
Offered by the Veterans For Peace Board of Directors
VETERANS FOR PEACE, INC.
438 Skinker, St. Louis, MO 63130
PHONE (314) 725-6005
FAX (314) 725-7103
Email: veteransfp@sbcglobal.net
Website: http://www.veteransforpeace.org/
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