Bring Them Home Now Tour experience

[pberq]

The Camp Casey Tour came to my town last night. And for the first time, I feel a sense of hope.

To anybody who may be thinking of going to one of these events, it is well worth it. To hear the stories of tragedy and courage from these people and feel the sense of solidarity with all of us opposed to this criminal war is the best thing that has happened to me in a while.

You can read about upcoming stops and reports from the road here:
http://www.bringthemhomenowtour.org/

[pberq]

1. Check out this incredible report on the event in Atlanta

http://www.bringthemhomenowtour.org/article.php?id=159

September 11th, 2005

The Southern tour began its first full day in Atlanta with a trip to nearby Athens, Georgia, home of the University of Georgia bulldogs. After a great pot-luck lunch, we had a powerful rally, hosted by tour member and retired Colonel Ann Wright, who resigned in 2003 in opposition to the war after a distinguished 27-year career with the military. She thanked all of the supporters before sharing the story of how Camp Casey began and grew into three buses crossing the country, destination: Washington, DC. Ann then introduced the Gold Star Families for Peace members, including new tour additions Jean Prewitt, mother of Private Kelley Prewitt, who was killed on April 6, 2003 when his supply convoy was ambushed and Dante Zappala, whose brother, Sherwood Baker, was killed by a large explosion during a raid of a suspected chemical warehouse in Baghdad on April 26, 2004.

Jean, who still finds it difficult to speak of the loss of Kelley, quietly explained that she'd joined the tour so "No other parent will have to go through what I've gone through." Dante told the story of Sherwood, his adopted older brother who had always looked out for him. Sherwood, a daycare teacher, had found the military's tank training, which
included having them run over cardboard cutouts of children in order to get them accustomed to the idea of never stopping their vehicle while on patrol, very disturbing.

After the rally the Southern Tour Group returned to the home of our incredible host, Randy Aronov, and reunited with Cindy Sheehan who'd just flown in from supporting the Central tour in Chicago. After much hugging, updating and little lasagna, the group hopped into the bus and headed to Victory Baptist Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia for a rocking evening rally!

The irrepressible John Evans, President of LEAD (Leadership to End All Discrimination), hosted the festivities. Brooke Beasley led the crowd in rousing renditions of "This Little Light of Mine", "This Land Is My Land" and "Let There Be Peace On Earth". John Evans then introduced Ann Wright, who shared the story of the daily miracles of Camp Casey. Ann then introduced Georgia Gold Star Mothers Patricia Roberts, Evelyn Allen and Mary Ann MacCombie. Each mother told the story of the loss of her son, which shared one common message: bring the troops home now.

The crowd cheered as Ann said, "It's us, the people who are making the sacrifice. Not the House, not the Senate, and certainly not the Bush administration."

Next Jimmy Massey, cofounder of Iraq Veterans Against the War, shared his experience in Iraq, asking the crowd, "Tell me, how you convince a young Iraqi, whose just seen his brother killed for approaching a checkpoint too quickly, not to retaliate?" We bred the insurgency with our inhumane actions, ladies and gentlemen."

John Evans then introduced Cindy Sheehan. Cindy took the stage to roaring applause and cheers, looking almost overwhelmed by the show of support. She shared the Camp Casey story, bringing the crowd to their feet several times, particularly with her assertion that Camp Casey had restored her hope and her love for her country.

Next Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney addressed the crowd, who laughed when she explained that, "I've done got myself in trouble again." As the crowd cheered and applauded she went on to say that she'd written a letter to George Bush telling him, in reference to his driving by Camp Casey without acknowledging Cindy, "No more drive-bys." The closing statement and prayer by the church's pastor, Dr. Kenneth L. Samuel, was inspirational and ended an incredible rally on a very high note. Ann Mauney, our wonderful supporter and member of the Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition, ended with a call to action to everyone in attendance.

Many of the supporters indicated that they hadn't planned to go to Washington, but,
after attending the event, had changed their mind. Air America radio host Mike Malloy, who'd joined us for the rally, stopped by and members of the tour handed out "Bring Them Home Now Tour" buttons to everyone who dropped by the bus.