Besides press, friends, people of faith, Veterans for Peace, students, workers and folks from all walks of life showed at Associated Ministries in Tacoma up to give support to Watada. Outside the crowded building people holding signs stood reading “Students say: www.ThankyYouLt.org,” or “Veterans say: www.ThankYouLt.org.” Unlike others who have resisted the war, Watada is the first to do so because the war is illegal.

A number of speakers stood before the press and announced their support for Lt. Watada. Amongst those who spoke at the conference were Jim Davis, a Minister with the United Methodist Church and Chaplin at the University of Puget Sound. In a statement made to Watada, Davis said “We stand with you today Ehren Watada in support of your act of the conscience, as you have fought to do that which is right and to live with moral integrity. We offer our support to you as you have spoken truth to this illegal and immoral war. We salute you for your courage to take a moral stance.”

A statement written by LTC George James Jr., a retired military officer and cofounder of Veterans for Peace, Chapter 109, “The Rachel Corrie Chapter,” was passed out to people in the audience. James directed his some of his comments to Watada saying “You are to be commended for your thoughtful consideration and compliance with the Army’s values of Integrity, Loyalty, Selfless Service, Personal Courage, Duty, and Respect as you take this unprecedented position in this war.” He continued, “One would not typically expect this degree of leadership from a junior officer.”

At the conference, an announcement was made that there will be a national campaign of support for Watada. Later tonight, Watada will have a Q & A session with the press.

For more info, contact Iraq Veterans Against the War at [ www.ivaw.net/ ]

By Chiton oly-imc (at) riseup.net www.olympiaimc.org