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Putting the War on Trial in Cincinnati

By Marty Webster

The temperature outside would dip into the 20s before the evening was over. But inside St. John's Unitarian Church in Cincinnati, where between 90 and 100 people had gathered to attend the "Bob Watada Tour," there was warmth and love.

Lt. Ehren Watada became the first commissioned officer to publicly refuse deployment to Iraq. He takes this stand based on his belief that the war is illegal, and that it is his moral and legal duty under the constitution to refuse orders to deploy. His court-martial ended in a mistrial at Ft. Lewis, Washington in February of this year. He is being charged with contempt toward officials, specifically, the president; conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman; and missing movement. The army has chosen to prosecute Lt. Watada primarily on the basis of his speech, rather than his refusal to deploy, confirming that their primary objective is to silence his dissent. For the first time since 1965, the army is prosecuting an objector for his opinion.

Lt. Watada's father, Bob, was on a on a national speaking tour in support of his son when he visited Cincinnati on November 2. Mr. Watada's background includes service in the Peace Corps and 10 years as Executive Director of Hawaii's State Campaign Spending Commission. He spoke about his son's path from enlistment after 9/11 to his realization that the basis for the invasion was fraudulent, to his decision to follow his conscience and refuse illegal war. "He was very, very patriotic…very much for his country. He didn't realize then that the president could lie," Mr. Watada said of his son .

Bob Watada did an excellent job and the video Sir! No Sir! was well received. The highlight of the evening was the appearance of two Iraq war resisters invited to attend the event. VVAW supports the actions of and stands 100% behind our war resisters. When we first came home there was no venue where we could go to for support. Painstakingly and out of necessity a small group of veterans got together to form VVAW. And at that time we pledged to one another and all future veterans that one generation of veterans must never abandon another generation of veterans again. We as an organization were in the vanguard of the GI resistance movement and we still are today.

The "Wolftones" sang a song entitled "Stand Behind the Wire" in reference to members of the IRA being illegally interned in the six occupied counties in the north of Ireland.

"Armored cars and tanks and guns,
have come to take away our sons,
but we stand behind the man
who stands behind the wire."

Darrel Anderson, recently returned from Canada, and Kyle Snyder came to the front. After being AWOL for some time Darrel turned himself in at Ft. Knox. However, the Army had no idea who he was. After a further search they said he was in Germany and was not listed as AWOL. Darrel was immediately released from active duty and eventually given a less than honorable discharge. Ray Parrish, VVAW's professional Military Counselor, is working with Darrell to upgrade his discharge, and restore benefits. Darrell, like many Iraq veterans and active duty personnel, suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Kyle Snyder, Darrel Anderson and Marty Webster

When Kyle Snyder returned from Canada and reported to Ft. Knox last year with a promise that he would receive the same "Deal" that was given to Darrel Anderson, However, when he reported to Ft. Knox, he was given travel orders and a ticket to return to his unit for redeployment to Iraq. Kyle, who quickly understood that he had been deceived, bravely took another road. This was the first public appearance in the US that Kyle had made after refusing his order for redeployment. Since, that time he has become a polished speaker and has toured the entire country and has spoken out against the war. Kyle has recently returned to Canada and on March 28 he was married to Maleah Freisen in a small chapel in Alberta. Although, I was unable to attend in person, I had the privilege of being the best man via phone hook-up.

I then invited everyone in the audience to join hands as Darrel, Kyle and I joined hands in the front of the room. I mentioned that at this moment something beautiful was taking place. A bond was developing between one generation of veterans and another. As the three of us hugged and wept openly, something was sealed in our hearts. Kyle who is currently considered AWOL said this encounter has built a bond that none of the of us could ever forget. I then invited them to say a few words which were well received by all.

I closed by inviting all in the room to come forward and embrace them, tell them they love them, thank them for their stance and most importantly to publicly stand behind these men and all of our men and women who are "standing behind the wire."

This is what it is all about, one vet lighting the fire in the heart of another. There was not a dry eye in the place. Doug Zachery who was the Watada Tour Facilitator said this was by far the best and most emotional ending of any event on the tour. Bob Watada was very moved when he joined Kyle and myself for an embrace and Kyle told Bob that "your son is my idol." Bob then thanked VVAW Ohio Valley for a very special evening.

I am proud to be a member of an organization such as VVAW that fosters and perpetuates such an ideal. Anytime, anywhere, a veteran reaches out for help the extended hand of VVAW must always be available, and for that I/We are responsible!

"It only takes a spark to start a prairie fire."