Tomorrow, for the first time in 50 years, there will be a parade in downtown Santa Cruz to honor all current military and veterans. While the proposed purpose is supposed to be non political, in actuality it cannot be so. As a supporter of veterans rights and benefits, this American must speak out. The way to support our troops is to bring them home NOW!

At first, we planned to do a counter event with speakers from many groups who are, not only opposing war but, doing support work for the victims of war. We started too late to be successful in having an actual event. However, we still believe it is possible to have a positive impact on Armed Forces Day by initiating an annual International Solidarity Event on May 21st of every year. How will we do this? By
taking out our checkbooks and sending a donation to one or more of the following organizations which are fully tax deductible:

Iraq International Peace Angels (IPA) Go to www.internationalpeaceangels.org to view the work that they do and to contribute.


Haiti Haiti Emergency Relief Fund (HERF) Go to www.haitiaction.org/About/HERF.html to view and contribute.


Palestine Middle East Children's Alliance (MECA) Go to www.mecaforpeace.org view and click on Support to contribute.


If more information is needed, please contact Maureen Smith at mmsmith (at) cruzio.com or (831) 688-4268. We hope you can give to one or more of these organizations. Thanks.