Huntington Beach, California, USA, 3.15.08: The Orange County Peace Coalition's "How Many More? Resist, Resist the War!" brought together approximately 300 Orange County Peace activists to acknowledge the 5th 'anniversary' of the illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq. This event included a Silent Peace March, Children's Peace Choir, Resource Fair, Winter Soldier Testimonies, and an Arlington West Memorial service.
As they SILENTLY walked, in single file down Huntington Beach's busy Main Street, participants wore "How Many More" t-shirts with the number 3,987, representing the number of U.S. soldiers killed to date, in Iraq. Curious onlookers, shoppers, and restaurant diners were visably moved by the long line of quiet PEACE marchers. A few spectators attempted to taunt marchers, but their steadfast SILENCE prevailed.
With Pacific Ocean waves crashing in the background, Sean McAllister, an Iraq Veteran for Peace, gave emotional testimony of his Iraq deployment. He urged all attendees to spread the word about Winter Soldier, 2008, testimonies.
Maricela Guzman spoke of her horrendous experience of being raped while serving in the military, and the unwillingness of the government to acknowledge that she was, indeed, raped.
Agustín Aguayo, a brave conscientious objector whose case is pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, spoke of his reasons for resistance.
Helga Aguayo, Agustín's wife, spoke of the extreme hardships experienced by family members whose loved ones are currently in Iraq.
A Children's Choir, lead by accomplished musician, Vern Nelson, sang uplifting songs of PEACE.
On the Hungtington Beach boardwalk by the pier, an OCPeace Coalition fair, representing both Orange County and Los Angeles County peace groups, distributed information to beach goers.
The event concluded with an emotional TAPS being played by a lone bugler at the Orange County Veteran's for Peace Arlington West memorial.
Thank you event organizer and promoter, Thu-Trang Tran, and Orange County Peace Coalition volunteers for dedicating your time and effort to make this IMPORTANT "How Many More? Resist, Resist the War!" action a success!
Please visit WINTER SOLDIER, 2: www.ivaw.org
to watch Winter Soldier testimonies.
Orange County Peace Coalition meetings are held at the Sisters of St. Joseph in the City of Orange on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. For more information, please visit: www.ocpeace.org
Aquayo Defense Fund:
http://www.aguayodefense.org/ Veterans for Peace, Orange County:
http://www.vfpchapter110.org/ Support Our Troops!
Bring them Home Now,
And Take Care of Them When They Get Here!
www.mfso.org
