Dave Cline, 1947 – 2007, We’ll Miss You Brother (xpost from Veterans)

[unhappycamper]

http://www.ivaw.org/node/1714

Dave Cline, Vietnam veteran, GI organizer, and anti-war leader, passed away last night, September 14. Dave will be deeply missed, and was a great inspiration and leader for those of us currently fighting to end the war in Iraq. IVAW wouldn’t be as powerful as we are today if it had not been for Dave’s dedication and mentorship. There couldn’t be a better friend and ally than him when it came to building a GI and veteran movement to end the Iraq war. Dave was a Vietnam veteran, an infantry soldier who was wounded three times and became a key leader in the GI resistance to the Vietnam war. Dave was an active member of Vietnam Veterans Against the War, and worked in the Oleo Strut, a GI coffeehouse outside of Ft. Hood, TX, where he helped organize active-duty soldiers to end the war.

Many of us at IVAW remember Dave as the president of Veterans For Peace, and got to know him during different marches, rallies, and VFP conventions. Dave stood beside us the day IVAW was founded, and we are sad that he’ll no longer be at our side as we continue in our fight to end the war. He was always there; ready to help his fellow veterans and peace activists. From the very beginning of Iraq Veterans Against the War’s formation, Dave helped us build our organization and never hesitated to give us whatever guidance we needed. He was an integral part of IVAW, and served on our interim board of directors.

Once, when asked about why he became an anti-war organizer, Dave said, "When you just went through an experience of that nature, and you find out that it's all lies and that they're just lying to the American people and your silence means you're a part of keeping that lie going—I couldn't stop. I mean I couldn't be silent." Dave wasn’t silent, and his voice has been an inspiration and motivation for all of us. We’ll keep the fight going and help to honor his life by ending this war and occupation. Long live Dave Cline!



uhc comment: RIP, Brother Dave.

[TomInTib]

1. And Time is like a freight train.

It is Here and then it's Gone.

When I was a boy, they were the Old Ones. The Veterans of WWI, old grey men with their memories and grandchildren. And they would die all the time.

By the time I had children, the Old Ones were the veterans of WWII.

Then they started dying at an ever-increasing rate.

Now They are Us.

Voices such as Dave's are precious, prodding.

Someone has to stand up and shout (albeit a soft shout).

Without people like Dave, there is nothing save for an ongoing rush of wind which will scatter everything in its path.

May he find himself in Heaven before the Devil even knows he's gone.

Rest easy, Brother.

Tom

[ordinaryaveragegirl]

RIP Dave

He is the definition of an American Patriot, and will be truly missed.

[noamnety]

2. Thank you

I posted yesterday about him, and it sank like a stone. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=3523402&mesg_id=3523402

He was instrumental in so many areas of resistance ... I was a little angry to see him unacknowledged here, to be honest. Dennis also has a piece about him on kos: http://dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/9/15/184813/758

[Anita Garcia]

3. Rec'd with warm wishes for his family and friends

Warm wishes to Dave's friends and family.
He was a great man.
I know that he will be missed by the anti-war movement.

[Freedomofspeech]

4. What an inspiration he was...

thank you for posting the information about such a great man. I wish I would have had the honor of knowing him.

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. I was very honored to meet Dave in June

This is a tragic loss. My heart goes out to his family and friends and all the vets he inspired. RIP Dave.

[babylonsister]

6. RIP, Mr. Cline, and many thanks for all your efforts to end the madness. nt

[BrklynLiberal]

7. Gone too soon...

:cry:

[Gloria]

8. Kick this beautiful remembrance....