Bob Watada visited the Bay Area on a West Coast speaking tour in support of his son, Lt. Ehren Watada, from August 19th through 27th. The goals of his tour were to: speak out on behalf of his son about what is going on in Iraq and why his son refuses to participate in the illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq; build support for his son as he faces military court- martial proceedings; and raise funds for his son's legal defense. Lt. Ehren Watada is the first commissioned U.S. military officer to publicly refuse orders in support of the Iraq War.

Ehren Watada has refused to deploy to Iraq, and has been charged with contempt towards President Bush, conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, and missing movement. He faces over seven years in prison. A military pre-trial hearing took place on August 17-18, and the actual court-martial will likely be 6 to 12 weeks later.

Some tour events that were listed in an announcement include: the vigil for Abeer Hamza in Berkeley; the 8/20 American Muslim Voice Foundation Convention in Newark; two events in Japantown in SF on 8/21; two events on on 8/22 in Santa Rosa and Alameda; and several events with student organizers in the Bay Area. Read more about these events

Thank You LT website and petition | Courage to Resist