We are writing to everyone who signed the letter to General Kicklighter to challenge a Pentagon commemoration of the Vietnam War that propagandized rather than educated Americans. Our collective protest appears to have led to serious correction, although the revised historical time line has not yet been posted or vetted by independent scholars. 

We and the Pentagon will be engaged in this debate for a decade, until the 50th anniversary of peace in 2025.  The apparent roll back took place when then Defense Secreetary Chuck Hagel brought to bear the passion of his Vietnam combat experience.  

Institutional self-interest and pro-interventionist political agendas are surely pushing back, aspiring to morph from honoring the veteran to honoring the war, mission creep redux. While the most obvious distortions of history will be removed, we doubt that recognition will be given to how broad based and determined protest inside and outside the military ended an unjust and misguided war.

On May 1 - 2 at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington we will assert and document the power of a peace movement that helped stop the war, bring down two presidents, and change many American lives forever.

Later this week you will receive the agenda, speaker highlights and a registration form for the peace commemoration.  The event is designed to recall, and learn from, a history that is in danger of being forgotten, despite the resonance of its message for current and future conflicts.  Regular mailings will keep you informed about our plans and you may receive a phone call encouraging your participation and support.*  

The agenda will include topical mini-plenaries and break-out groups / workshops formed around the many ways we opposed the war. They offer an opportunity to reflect on what was accomplished and what was learned as well as implications for opposing current and future wars (and probably a chance to reconnect with old friends). The current draft list of discussion groups can be previewed here.  If you see something missing or misstated, or feel you could make a special contribution to one of the sessions, please let us know as soon as possible.

There will be a lot of sharing of memories, analysis of lessons for present challenges, some great music and a moving walk by the Vietnam Memorial to gather at the Martin Luther King memorial.  We not only want you to join us in Washington but also ask your assistance to assure the diversity and younger generation involvement that is not guaranteed, even from the extraordinary list of letter signers.

For planning purposes, could you let us know whether or not we'll see you in Washington by spending two minutes on a survey, available by clicking here?  Your answers also help us decide how to assign rooms for mini-plenaries and break out groups / workshops. 

Finally, 

If you live in the Washington area and can volunteer time or housing for out-of-towners or can provide outreach to your own organizations and networks, please contact Terry Provance <[email protected]>. 

Planning Committee

Ira Arlook

Sally Benson

Julian Bond

Heather Booth

David Cortright

Susan Hammond

Tom Hayden

John McAuliff

Sophie Quinn-Judge

Paul Ryder 

Chuck Searcy

Marge Tabankin

Alan Charney

   National Coordinator

Terry Provance

   Capitol Coordinator

Barbara Helmick 

   Recruitment and Fund Raising