See photos of IVAW at the DNC
Video of Operation First Casualty at the DNC

IVAW members were in Denver on August 27th where they led a march of ten thousand to the Democratic National Convention to deliver a message to Barack Obama calling on the Democratic nominee to endorse the three main goals of IVAW: Immediate withdrawal, full veterans benefits, and reparations for the Iraqi people.

Following a packed show at the Denver Coliseum where Rage Against the Machine and the Flobots encouraged the crowd to join IVAW's march, two squads of 25 IVAW members each formed up outside the venue and began marching to the Pepsi center. The squads were led by members in dress uniforms and combat uniforms, with thousands of supporters marching behind them in support.

When they arrived at the DNC, representatives of IVAW asked to meet with Barack Obama to present their message. After negotiations, the Former Texas Lt Governor Ben Barnes came out of the convention to accept a letter from the IVAW members. Jeff Key, a former Marine said the IVAW members intended to stay in place until a representative from Obama's campaign came out to talk with them.

"I'm a patient man. I'm not going anywhere,'' Key said.

Key, a former Marine from Salt Lake City, and Liam Madden, a former marine from Boston, were then escorted into the convention where they met with Phil Carter, head of veterans affairs for the Obama campaign. IVAW is now waiting for a formal response to their request address the delegates from the podium.

Lt. Vince Porter of the Denver Police Department said the department coordinated the meeting with the secret service and Obama’s office.

“The police in Denver have been exceptional and very, very supportive,” Key said. “This cannot be an easy job for them either, and they’ve just been incredible.”

Support IVAW

IVAW members are now on their way to Minneapolis for the annual IVAW convention. Many will stay on in Minneapolis for the Republican National Convention. We need your support to help keep the momentum from this event going. Please make a donation to IVAW today.

News Coverage

Police, Protestors In Tense Standoff Denver Post
Thousands Stage Anti-War Protest March AP

Anti-War Demonstrators Allowed to Speak With Obama Aides CQ Politics

Iraq war veterans lead protest at Democratic convention LA Times
Anti-War March Was Large, Loud, and In Control Rocky Mountain News
Thousands march on Dems' Denver convention Daily Camera

Anti-War Demonstration Ends New York Times
Denver protest march blends politics, music USA Today

Photo by Jon Orlando

http://ivaw.org/ivawupdates

IVAW leading march to DNC

IVAW members are leading a march to the Democratic National Convention in Denver, where they will deliver a folded flag and a letter calling on Barack Obama to endorse the three main goals of IVAW: Immediate withdrawal, full veterans benefits, and reparations for the Iraqi people.

Following a packed show at the Denver Coliseum where Rage Against the Machine and the Flobots encouraged the crowd of ten thousand to join IVAW's march, two squads of 25 IVAW members each formed up outside the venue and began marching to the Pepsi center. The squads are led by members in dress uniforms and combat uniforms, and as of 4pm, the crowd of supporters behind them continues to grow - already thousands have joined.

Recent press:
Thousands begin protest march in Denver USA Today
At least 2,000 join massive antiwar street march Rocky Mountain News

IVAW brings the reality of the occupation to Denver

IVAW members took part in the first day of action in Denver on Tuesday, staging the largest Operation First Casualty to date. Read more about IVAW's action:
DNC: Vets Blitz Mall Lunch Hour with Anti-war Message Fort Collins Now
Iraq vet aims to fulfill mission at Tent State Rocky Mountain News
Staged military exercise shakes up lunchtime in LoDo Longmont Times-Call
Iraq vets take to the streets to protest the war The Oregonian
Photo Credit: Jon Orlando

 

IVAW at the DNC

posted Aug 25 2008 - 3:45pm

IVAW members from across the country are taking action in Denver to bring attention to the ongoing illegal occupation of Iraq. On Monday, IVAW members delivered a letter to Senator Obama calling on him to support IVAW's three main goals. Click here to see the letter. On Tuesday IVAW members will be participating in the largest Operation First Casualty to date. And on Wednesday IVAW is sponsoring the Rage Against the Machine concert which will be followed by a four mile march from the concert to the site of the Democratic National Convention. Through all of these actions IVAW will bring the reality of the occupation home to the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party, party delegates and the American people as we continue to build momentum towards ending the Iraq War and supporting our fellow brothers and sisters still serving in the occupation.

Download a press release on the call for Obama to endorse IVAW's three points of unity.