Winter Soldier: Iraq & Afghanistan. The testimony begins today.

Information taken from the Iraq Veterans Against the War website:

Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan will feature testimony from U.S. veterans who served in those occupations, giving an accurate account of what is really happening day in and day out, on the ground.

The four-day event will bring together veterans from across the country to testify about their experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan - and present video and photographic evidence. In addition, there will be panels of scholars, veterans, journalists, and other specialists to give context to the testimony. These panels will cover everything from the history of the GI resistance movement to the fight for veterans' health benefits and support.

When: Thursday March 13 to Sunday March 16

Attendance at Winter Soldier: Iraq & Afghanistan is not open to the general public because of limited space at the event site. Members of Iraq Veterans Against the War, Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Military Families Speak Out, and Gold Star Families Speak Out will attend the panels at Winter Soldier.

To bring the testimonies to the general public and GIs all over the world we have made it possible to watch the live broadcasts online and on television, and to listen online and the radio. You can find out more about how to watch or listen here. To find a local Winter Soldier screening event or to submit a screening event go to our events map.

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The name Winter Soldier comes from a quote from Thomas Paine, the revolutionary who rallied George Washington’s troops at Valley Forge, saying:

“These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."

Paine was trying to keep Washington’s army from deserting in the face of a bitter winter and mounting defeats at the hands of the British. Members of Iraq Veterans Against the War say the same type of courage is needed to confront the evils unleashed by the U.S. occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan.  (Source)

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I wish all involved the very best.  I know that what they have to say will not be welcomed by some.  There will be many who reject their credentials and call them 'fake soldiers'.  These men and women have a right to be heard and they are due the same support as all who have served their country in a time of war.   Are these men and women not brave for speaking out against what they believe is wrong - of course they are. It is far braver to stand up for what you believe is right than to follow the majority who maybe wrong.