VFP CHAPTERS
Editor: Woody Powell
woody@veteransforpeace.net
November 17, 2008
VETERANS DAY OBSERVANCE - A MATTER OF STYLE
Veterans Day came and went. Many chapters reported participating in parades - some peacefully, some not so peacefully. I suppose the variety of stances is reflective of the diversity of approach we have, in VFP, to the pursuit of our objectives.
Some chapters decided they would observe the terms of participation and not do a protest action. They felt it enough to declare themselves VETERANS FOR PEACE with our banners afloat, drawing mute contrast with the militant participants from other veterans' groups.
Others, however, felt they needed to project a stronger message, calling for "Bring the Troops Home Now" and, even went so far as to call for the impeachment of Bush and Cheney. In some communities, they were not allowed to march, resulting in angry appeals and disappointment. In a few others they were allowed to march.
I'm sure by now you have all read the various reports. This diversity of style, I'll call it, is both a strength and a weakness. It is a strength in that it gives voice to a broad spectrum of opinion. It is a weakness because it confuses and dismays many people who might want to join us but are not prepared to be put in such a vulnerable position.
In my experience, there are many members who join to support VFP but cannot, for reasons probably related to their service, put themselves forward into the public eye. I feel we need a safe place for them - while also providing opportunity for those who are moved to project their ideas, their feelings, their principles upon the public.
This is a challenge to our chapters more than to National. It is at the chapter level that style is established, that decisions are made to press hard for our objectives with a sense of immediacy, or move toward them subtly while building a larger membership that perhaps penetrates the community to a greater depth.
I am not proposing one style over another. I am putting the subject out there so that chapters can make decisions to engage actions fully conscious of the effects on our communities and our membership potential.
I expect discussions along these lines are going on in chapters all over the country. I would be interested to hear more on the subject from any of you who wish to respond.
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Of all the submissions we received in connection with Veterans Day, this was the most personal and pertinent to the historical occasion of Armistice Day:
From Deb Schneider, San Diego Chapter # 91
Hi
Vets,
I read this poem during our Veterans Day activities today here in San Diego.
The SDVFP set up an Arlington West in front of the Midway, marched in the
parade, and then held our meeting on the lawn in front of the retired aircraft
carrier. I started writing this piece after we attended the VFP '08 National
Convention while we were in Michigan visiting family. After many rewrites, I
finally finished it last night. I was determined to finish it for Veterans Day.
It is dedicated it to my son, a disabled veteran, from his veteran
mother. The story about he and I is true. I read it to him last evening. After
I read it for our vets today, it was suggested that I put it on our local and
national Vet lists so here it is:
MOTHER AND
SON - FROM ONE WAR TO THE NEXT
The stories told in staring eyes,
monotoned during daylight, and
screamed through haunted darkness,
bespoke unimaginable horror.
The anguish inflicted on my generation
warned of a military madness
that feeds upon the newborn.
I bore fear along with my child
Even as my womb cradled and nurtured,
I knew one day they would come.
Drawn by youth, thirsting fresh blood,
they'd come for you those Vampires of War.
Joyful colors clothed your childhood.
Your favorite: purple.
Never the small-sized uniforms that foreshadow dark future.
Cammies aren't meant for kids.
No guns for my son!
No ominous plastic noise makers
pressed to imitate authoritarian threat!
So you pretended sticks into rifles.
Mother songs lullabied hope and peace
while soldiers who'd put down their weapons
and the millions in our streets,
ended the Tonkin-induced war.
Vietnam swept G.I. Joe from toy store shelves.
But the dolly boy resurrected to
trickle down into little boy hands
via Reagan's pipe dream presidency.
You grew while I taught you to value humanity,
to share, to love, to respect.
I showed you how to step into other existences
yet they lurked. Vulture-like. Watching. Waiting,
Ready to stalk when restless and unsure,
You lost your way in school.
Adventure! Money! Manhood! A mere GED away.
You turned your head, and your life.
The truth, with which I'd armed you, once targeted,
was swiftly and effectively neutralized.
You swallowed their bait. They set the hook
and reeled your from my arms.
Fourteen years on, the PTSD hid behind your unfocused stare.
It was your guarded monotone I heard during the day.
And you who faced the dark demons brought by sleepless terror, Alone.
We could not protect you there.
Then you challenged the Vampires of War
by speaking truth to their prey
and turned numerous boys from a war-torn path.
Your brother among those who walked away.
And now, you've survived the battle within.
Victorious, you win it still every day,
giving each of us who love you
the freedom to finally say...
Welcome Home Son, Welcome Home.
D.L Schneider
November, 2008