Iraq Veteran Begins Weeklong Tower Guard Vigil in Bellingham, Washington

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Iraq Veteran Begins Weeklong Tower Guard Vigil in Bellingham, Washington
Submitted by davidswanson on Sat, 2007-06-02 20:34. Media

Whatcom Peace & Justice Center

WHERE: Federal Building 104 E. Magnolia Street, Bellingham, WA

WHEN: 24-hrs. a day, June 1-7

Standing Tower Guard on a 6' scaffold at the Federal Building in downtown Bellingham, Iraq Veteran Evan Knappenberger, 1st BDE, 4th Infantry Division, started a weeklong vigil on June 1st to draw attention to the US military STOP-LOSS and INACTIVE RESERVE policies, which he submits are being used as a substitute for conscription in a political war.

I spent a year in Iraq. I pulled 97 nights on tower guard, explained Knappenberger. Many of the friends I served with have completed their contractual obligations to Active Duty. Now, they're being sent back to Iraq for their third or fourth tours. Some soldiers are getting called up after living years of civilian life. Stop-loss is an unethical policy.

The Whatcom Peace & Justice Center, a non-profit organization in Bellingham, is supporting Knappenberger's week-long action. "This is a powerful, highly-visible action," said Executive Director Marie Marchand. "It's a nonviolent, creative way of educating the public about this widespread exploitation and abuse of our soldiers. Evan has seen this injustice perpetrated against his friends and comrades. We will do everything we can to help him get his message out."

Community members have shown an outpouring of support for Knappenberger, including help with night security, media outreach, meals, and solidarity. A new website has been set up: www.TowerGuard.org

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