Download PDF of this full issue: v37n2.pdf (26.8 MB)

Honored to Attend the VVAW 40th Aniversary

By Al Hubbard

Al Hubbard at VVAW's 40th Anniversary

Seeing and having the opportunity to spend time with three of the founding heroes, Jan Barry, Carl Rogers, Jon Bjornson, was truly the highlight of my weekend. I was immediately transported back to the beginning of my incredible journey with the most dedicated heroes intent on ending the immoral, illegal war in Southeast Asia, and the immoral, illegal denial of civil rights to all the citizens of our country.

I was transported back to the very first time I visited the VVAW National Office, which in fact was a single desk in the offices of the Vietnam Peace Parade Committee. In that office that day, I found myself in the presence of the real energy of the anti-war movement. Bella Abzug, Cora Weiss, Flo Kennedy, Dave Dellinger, several others and most importantly, Madelyn Moore.

It was Madelyn who welcomed me and introduced me to the others. It was Madelyn who showed me where the VVAW desk was situated. It was Madelyn who informed me that Jan and a few other vets' were probably at a demonstration the War Resisters League was sponsoring in the Wall Street area. I thanked her and told her I would come back some other time.

The next day I returned and was once again greeted by Madelyn. After wandering around the office chatting with various people and being overwhelmed by the discussions and exchange of ideas, I once again found myself gravitating towards Madelyn. I asked her if the Vets were coming in sometime that day? She said they would probably be around at some point, then she said that desk should never be empty! I went over to the desk, hesitated for a moment, sat down and told her it would never be empty again. Madelyn looked into me as only Madelyn could and said if you mean that I'll sit with you, my son Scott was a platoon leader in Vietnam, let's see what we can do.

While the founders were my heroes, Madelyn Moore was my inspiration, and from that day forward the Mother of Vietnam Veterans Against the War. I tell you this because with all the respect and admiration I have for all those who kept VVAW alive and relevant, particularly Barry Romo, the Chicago staff, national coordinators and the entire active membership, it is my sincere belief that the 40th Anniversary of VVAW was possible as a result of the vision of the founders and the Motherhood of the grandest lady I've ever known, Madelyn Moore.

I will always be grateful for the opportunity afforded me to spend a weekend with the finest Americans I have had the honor to consider my brothers and sisters.

In closing I would like to express my sincere respect to the Iraq Veterans Against the War and to let them know that our country is still worth saving. VVAW was hugely effective in it's efforts to end the Vietnam War. I sincerely believe you have the opportunity and the responsibility to see to it that there will never be another wall as large as ours.

Al Hubbard and Madelyn Moore during Operation RAW, 1970 (photo by Tony Velez)