First officer to publicly refuse illegal war, Lt. Ehren Watada holds Tacoma press events

Phan Nguyen, representing the Family and Friends of Lt. Watada, moderated the crowded event at Associated Ministries in Tacoma. An overflow crowd of supporters lined the front of the building holding signs and banners that simply read “Thank You Lt. Ehren Watada”.

Jim Davis, United Methodist Minister, Chaplain of University of Puget Sound explained that he had hoped to make tell Lt. Watada the following in person: “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.”

Joe Colgan, an Army veteran, and father of Army 1st Lt. Benjamin Colgan who was killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq on November 1, 2003, choked back tears to express his gratitude for Lt. Watada’s willingness to stand up for truth.

Judy Linehan also added her voice in support of Lt. Watada as other members of Washington State Military Families Speak Out stood at her side.

Professor Marjorie Cohn, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, outlined the legal basis for Lt. Watada's conclusion that the war was illegal under the law. A war of aggression, such as the U.S. assult on Iraq, prosecuted in violation of international treaties, is a crime against the peace. The war in Iraq violates the Charter of the United Nations, which prohibits the use of force. There are only two exceptions to that prohibition: self-defense and approval by the Security Council. A pre-emptive or preventive war is not allowed under the Charter.

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. Mr. James wrote to Lt. Watada to say: “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.”

Later that evening after duty, Lt. Watada appeared at the Associated Ministries in front of a bank of television and print journalists to directly answer questions at a follow up press conference announced only earlier that day.