Fri Jun 2 2006 (Updated 06/30/06)
Officer's Supporters Hold Nationwide Press Conference to Announce Refusal
Tuesday June 27th is a "National Day of Action" in solidarity with Lieutenant Watada.
Outside the gates of Fort Lewis, Washington, hundreds rallied to support Watada – the first commissioned officer to resist the illegal war and occupation of Iraq.
In San Francisco, people with gather at 5pm in Justin Herman Plaza.
On Wednesday, June 7th, U.S. Army First Lieutenant Ehren Watada announced his intention to disobey the illegal order to deploy to Iraq via a 12pm press conference in Tacoma, Washington. Watada had planned to be at the press conference during his lunch break, but was prohibited to leave Fort Lewis by his superior officers. Ehren Watada is believed to be the first U.S. military officer to publicly refuse orders in support of the Iraq War based on its illegality. He has attempted to resign his commission in protest, and he will now refuse deployment via simultaneous, cross-country press conferences. Read more |
One June 24th, dozens of supporters of Lt. Watada gathered outside the gates of Fort Lewis, Washington.
On June 26th, a hundred supporters of Lt. Ehren Watada gathered near the Washington state capitol building. Holding signs that read “Refuse Illegal War – Thank You Lt. Ehren Watada”, Lt. Watada’s father Robert Watada and step-mother Rosa joined Olympians to span the centrally located Fourth Street Bridge.
A petition or statement has been written in support of LT's decision to refuse to deploy to Iraq. Organizers are requesting that thousands of people sign the online petition, and encourage others to sign the petition, and write statements of support. Help will also be needed to organize support actions prior to any possible military court martial, and to pay for legal and political support. Read more
Thank You LT website |