This article was original;ly published by AfterDowningStreet.org, March 19, 2008
Madison, WI – On the 5th anniversary of the war and occupation of Iraq, nine peace activists went to the military recruiting stationS at East Washington and Theirer Road in Madison at a little before noon on Wednesday March 19. They formed a circle on the sidewalk outside of the stations and began reading names of US soldiers and Iraqis who have died in the war and occupation.
Within a few minutes, a recruiter came and told them that they must leave or the police would come and they would be arrested.
Five individuals continued the vigil outside, while four of the activists went inside to talk to the military recruiters. The activists tried to talk to the recruiters about their concern with our young people being put into harms way by joining the military. They asked the recruiters if they had seen any of the Winter Soldier testimony.
The recruiters said again that the activists must leave or they would be arrested when the police arrived. “This is a public office, paid for by taxpayer money,” said Judy Miner from Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice, “Why can’t we be here?”
When the police arrived and told the group they must leave or be arrested, a few individuals left the office. Joy First said, “I can’t leave. My conscience is calling me to stay here. It is my responsibility to call for an end to the military recruiting that provides bodies for the illegal war and occupation.”
The police arrested Joy First, Bonnie Block, and David Nordstrom, charged them with trespassing, which carries a $424 fine.
After the arrests, Joy, Bonnie, and Dave were required to leave the property, but the other activists were allowed to stay on the private sidewalk in front of the recruiting station and continue their vigil for peace.
This action was organized by Madison Pledge of Resistance, a member group of the National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance.
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