From the Open-Publishing Calendar
From the Open-Publishing Newswire
Indybay Feature
Lt. Ehren Watada Refuses to Deploy to Iraq
TACOMA, WA – Today, June 7, 2006, Lt. Ehren Watada from the 3rd Stryker Brigade, announced his refusal to redeploy to Iraq because the war is illegal. This makes Watada the first soldier to resist his orders on these grounds. Press from all the major media outlets showed up for the press conference that happened today at noon. Watada had planned to be at his press conference during his lunch break, but was prohibited to leave Fort Lewis by his superior officers.
![statement-250.jpg](/uploads/2006/06/07/statement-250.jpg)
Besides press, friends, people of faith, Veterans for Peace, students, workers and folks from all walks of life showed at Associated Ministries in Tacoma up to give support to Watada. Outside the crowded building people holding signs stood reading “Students say: http://www.ThankyYouLt.org,” or “Veterans say: http://www.ThankYouLt.org.” Unlike others who have resisted the war, Watada is the first to do so because the war is not legal.
A number of speakers stood before the press and announced their support for Lt. Watada. Amongst those who spoke at the conference were Jim Davis, a Minister with the United Methodist Church and Chaplin at the University of Puget Sound. In a statement made to Watada, Davis said “We stand with you today Ehren Watada in support of your act of the conscience, as you have fought to do that which is right and to live with moral integrity. We offer our support to you as you have spoken truth to this illegal and immoral war. We salute you for your courage to take a moral stance.”
A statement written by LTC, George James Jr., a retired military officer and cofounder of Veterans for Peace, Chapter 109, “The Rachel Corrie Chapter,” was passed out to people in the audience. James directed his some of his comments to Watada saying “You are to be commended for your thoughtful consideration and compliance with the Army’s values of Integrity, Loyalty, Selfless Service, Personal Courage, Duty, and Respect as you take this unprecedented position in this war.” He continued, “One would not typically expect this degree of leadership from a junior officer.”
At the conference, an announcement was made that there will be a national campaign of support for Watada. Later tonight, Watada will have a Q & A session with the press.
A number of speakers stood before the press and announced their support for Lt. Watada. Amongst those who spoke at the conference were Jim Davis, a Minister with the United Methodist Church and Chaplin at the University of Puget Sound. In a statement made to Watada, Davis said “We stand with you today Ehren Watada in support of your act of the conscience, as you have fought to do that which is right and to live with moral integrity. We offer our support to you as you have spoken truth to this illegal and immoral war. We salute you for your courage to take a moral stance.”
A statement written by LTC, George James Jr., a retired military officer and cofounder of Veterans for Peace, Chapter 109, “The Rachel Corrie Chapter,” was passed out to people in the audience. James directed his some of his comments to Watada saying “You are to be commended for your thoughtful consideration and compliance with the Army’s values of Integrity, Loyalty, Selfless Service, Personal Courage, Duty, and Respect as you take this unprecedented position in this war.” He continued, “One would not typically expect this degree of leadership from a junior officer.”
At the conference, an announcement was made that there will be a national campaign of support for Watada. Later tonight, Watada will have a Q & A session with the press.
Add Your Comments
Latest Comments
Listed below are the latest comments about this post.
These comments are submitted anonymously by website visitors.
TITLE
AUTHOR
DATE
Disgraceful
Fri, Jun 23, 2006 1:28AM
Sworn Duty
Mon, Jun 12, 2006 12:13AM
Watada is Honorable and Brave to Defy Illegal War Orders
Thu, Jun 8, 2006 1:39AM
Einstein
Thu, Jun 8, 2006 1:13AM
United States Citizen
Wed, Jun 7, 2006 9:43PM
We are 100% volunteer and depend on your participation to sustain our efforts!
Get Involved
If you'd like to help with maintaining or developing the website, contact us.
Publish
Publish your stories and upcoming events on Indybay.
Topics
More
Search Indybay's Archives
Advanced Search
►
▼
IMC Network