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Madison Veterans Day: War Not the Answer

By VVAW

On Nov. 11th, the Madison Chapter of VVAW put on its 9th annual Veterans' Day Memorial Ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda in Madison. The Ceremony included an honor guard procession, candle lighting, several speakers, music, and Native American dancing.

John Lindquist and John Zutz of VVAW-Milwaukee were among the speakers. They brought up concerns for the homeless veterans, unemployment, VA medical care cuts and the push for normalization of relations with Vietnam. Mandy Jones, a ninth grader from Madison read the "Constitution of Peace" which demands the right not to have to fight. A representative from the Military Families Support Network gave a Gulf War synopsis and said that war is not the answer to anything.

Muriel Hogan and Jim Wachtendonk did a beautiful job of singing as they do every year. Also the American Indian drummers performed the "Wounded Soldier Song" and "Honor Song" with John Beaudin dancing.

A special award of eagle feathers was given to John Beaudin, a Chippewa/Vietnam veteran. They were given to him by the Madison area Native Americans as a tribute for his work in the community and as a veteran. The ceremony ended with taps and the singing of "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" as everyone placed flowers on a body bag.