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Sample Press Release for June 27 Actions |
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YOUR GROUP NAME/Letterhead
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Date you are sending release
Press Contact: Name and cell phone #
(This should be someone who is informed about the event can answer
The phone the day before and day of).
_______________(Rally/vigil/march) TO SUPPORT 'ILLEGAL WAR' REFUSER
LT. EHREN WATADA
WHEN:
WHERE:
WHO:
Paragraph describing you local event, participants and highlights.
On Tuesday June 27, people in dozens of US cities will demonstrate
their support for US Army 1st Lt. Ehren K. Watada's public refusal to
participate in the ‘illegal war’ and occupation of Iraq. Lt. Watada is the first US military officer to take this stand.
Public events will take place at Ft.Lewis in Washington State, Atlanta, Charlotte, Cleveland, Ft. Lauderdale, Honolulu, New York City, Oklahoma City, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Toronto, and many other cities.
Events are being coordinated by the Family and Friends of Lt. Watada
Through the website www.ThankYouLt.org. National organizations such as Veterans for Peace, American Friends Service Committee, United for Peace and Justice, Code Pink, Campus Anti-War Network, Not in Our Name, Courage to Resist, and numerous other organizations will participate.
Lt. Watada first attempted to quietly resign in protest over the
"illegal war" in January 2006. On June 7th he publicly announced his intention to refuse deployment, and on June 22nd he followed through on his pledge by refusing to ship out with the 3rd Stryker Brigade. Since then he has been confined to Ft. Lewis under investigation and possible court martial charges.
Lt. Watada has explained, "It is my conclusion as an officer of the
Armed Forces that the war in Iraq is not only morally wrong but a horrible breach of American law. As the order to take part in an illegal act is ultimately unlawful as well, I must as an officer of honor and integrity refuse that order."
By refusing to participate in the Iraq war and occupation, Lt. Watada
Joins a growing number of high ranking military officers, West Point
graduates, and current and former members of the armed services who have challenged the legality of the war in Iraq, including UK RAF officer Lieutenant Malcolm Kendall-Smith who also refused deployment to Iraq last year.
Eric Seitz, Lt. Watada's attorney, declares, "We will vigorously
defend Lt. Watada and demonstrate that the action he has taken is not only the correct legal and moral position but that it is one that is supported by a great majority of people in the United States and around the world who understand that the U.S. invasion of Iraq is not and never could be justified."
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