1999 VFP Conference

On August 20-22, 1999, several members of VVAW AI attended the 14th annual convention of the Veterans For Peace in Philadelphia. The three day convention consisted of VFP organizational business along with two days of workshops and ended with a public demonstration to Say No to Militarism -- the theme of the convention -- on Sunday morning. The workshops covered the breadth of issues that the different VFP chapters are involved in: Military Assaults In Our Communities, The Schools of the Americas, The Use of Depleted Uranium Weapons, The IMF Grip on Africa and The Politics of Landmines. Also presented at the conference were reports on various projects the VFP has endorsed and/or undertaken: the Doll Project (with over 2,000 dolls representing the children killed by U.S. sanctions against Iraq), the Stonewalk (a tribute to unknown civilians killed in war -- much like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) and the DD214 Award (stands for Dollar Donation of $214 -- awarded to young people who have shown exemplary efforts in promoting peace).

It was an honor to be invited to attend and to learn more about the VFP. This is a diverse group of veterans who are singularly opposed to the increased militarism in our country and around the world. VVAW AI is proud to work with the VFP chapters to oppose interventions and imperialist wars. The VFP national office can be reached at: 733 15th St. NW, Ste. 928, Washington DC 20005, 202.347.6780