March 11, 2008 For Immediate Release

Contact: Ilze Petersons 942-9343

Bangor—Lt. Becky Farley from Damariscotta was an officer on the deck of an Aegis Cruiser stationed in the Persian Gulf when 20 cruise missiles were fired from the cruiser into Iraq in the 2003 “Shock & Awe Bombing” that heralded the start of the Iraq War. Now, five years later she plans to travel to the National Labor College just outside Washington, D. C. Maryland to join other veterans and service members from across the country for four days of testimony from March 13-l6th about their experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lt. Farley will be joined by long time peace activist Mary Beth Sullivan of Bath. Vietnam Veteran, Doug Rawlings from Farmington and member of Maine Veterans for Peace will also attend the hearings.

The hearings are modeled on the “Winter Soldier” hearings held in l971 by Vietnam Veterans who testified about the terrible reality of that war. For more on the hearings visit www.ivaw.org. As the event is taking place near Washington, groups all over the country will be gathering to show support for the veterans and to call for an end to the war. Some will watch the hearing testimony live or taped via audio and video feed. In Maine vigils will be held on Saturday, March l5th in Bangor, Portland, Waterville, Ellsworth, Bath, Belfast, Lincoln, Machias, Caribou and other towns. Carpools are also being organized from outlying towns to the larger gatherings in Bangor and Portland. For more on local statewide events visit www.fromeveryvillageme-us. On Sunday, March l6th the Peace & Justice Center of Eastern Maine, 170 Park Street in Bangor will host a showing of the film “Soldiers of Conscience” which will be preceded by taped portions of the hearings and reports from Becky Farley and others attending the hearings.

Winter Soldier Statement from Iraq Veterans Against the War www.ivaw.org: “The veterans and active duty troops of Iraq Veterans Against the War represent the generation that is living with the pain and consequences of our leaders? daily decision to continue this war.We have watched our closest friends be killed and injured, we’ve seen innocent people dehumanized and destroyed. We are first-hand witnesses and participants of an illegal war and occupation and we are here to tell you that we have had enough.”

Kelly Dougherty
Former Sergeant, Army National Guard
Executive Director
Iraq Veterans Against the War
“In 1776, Thomas Paine wrote: “These are the times that try men’s souls.
The summer soldier and sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” In 1971, a courageous group of veterans exposed the criminal nature of the Vietnam War in an event called Winter Soldier. Once again, we will demand that the voices of veterans are heard. Once again, we are fighting for the soul of our country. We will demonstrate our patriotism by speaking out with honor and integrity instead of blindly following failed policy. Winter Soldier is a difficult but essential service to our country. Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan will feature testimony from U.S. veterans who served in those occupations, giving an accurate account of what is really happening day in and day out,on the ground. The four-day event will bring together veterans from across the country to testify about their experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan - and present video and photographic evidence. In addition, there will be panels of scholars, veterans, journalists, and other specialists to give context to the testimony. These panels will cover everything from the history of the GI resistance movement to the fight for veterans’ health benefits and support.

When: Thursday March 13th to Sunday March 16th

Where: National Labor College, Maryland

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The Peace & Justice Center of Eastern Maine
170 Park Street
Bangor ME 04401
(207) 942-9343
fax 992-2288
email: info [at] peacectr [dot] org
check our website: http://www.peacectr.org/www.peacectr.org