Memorial Day resources and actions

Memorial Day is upon us. We mourn the loss of the 5,523 soldiers, Marines, seamen and airmen who have lost their lives, the uncounted number who have taken their own lives as a result of the war, and the hundreds of thousands of Iraqi and Afghan men, women and children who have died as a result of these senseless wars. Each loss reverberates through a family and community that will be forever changed.

At this time we also reflect on the financial cost of the wars. On May 30th, spending on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will reach 1 trillion dollars. That is 1 trillion dollars that should be better used than for war. Used to assist our families and towns through economic hard times and for humanitarian aid in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As heartbreaking as it can be to speak out, the Memorial Day weekend provides an opportunity for us. The American people need to hear your stories and be inspired to find a peaceful solution. Please raise your voice, this weekend.

Please download our Memorial Day flyer here and use it at events this weekend. You can also make use of this "What You Can Do" flyer developed by the MFSO Upstate chapter and insert your own local contact information. If you would like a word version to edit for local information or know of local events that you would like help promoting, contact National Organizer Nikki Morse at nikki@mfso.org.

Call your US Representative and ask them to support the McGovern bill and vote against supplemental funding and fully fund the safe and orderly withdrawal of all troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. Call your Senators and ask them to support the companion Feingold bill and vote against funding. Our elected officials will be on recess through June 7th and in their home districts. Organize meetings with them to say "1 trillion for war: NO MORE!"

To find your Representative and Senator and contact them directly in their Washington or district offices, go to http://www.contactingthecongress.org/. 

Thank you for speaking out. Please let your friends and family know about our work.