Madison's Memorial Mile November 11-12, Iraq and Afghanistan

[Annces]

The Message: Mourn the Dead, Heal the Wounded, Stop the War
11/11/2007
Paul McMahon

On Wednesday, October 10, the Madison Parks Commission unanimously approved a permit for VFP to erect over 4,200 tombstones along Olbrich Park on Sunday and Monday, November 11-12. The chapter and public will use the display to somberly and respectfully commemorate the death of more than 4,200 US soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Coinciding with the traditional Veterans' Day, a special ceremony for is planned for 2pm, Sunday November 11. VFP member Father David Couper, a Marine Veteran and former Madison Police Chief, will be the featured speaker for the occasion. Also speaking will be Ray Maida, father of Mark Maida of Madison who died in May 2005 in Iraq, and Iraq veteran Patrick Wilcox, a member of VFP and the Iraq Veterans Against the War. Frank Court of VFP will be the master of ceremonies.

VFP project leaders John Fournelle and Richard Chamberlin said efforts to create the tombstones are well underway thanks to the help of the Milwaukee and Sheboygan VFP chapters. A press release and media information are in preparation.

The Parks Commission was quick to issue the permit and there was little discussion due to the excellent documentation that accompanied the VFP request.

The display will be erected starting at Starkweather Creek and run all along the walk bordering Olbrich Park and Atwood Avenue, ending near the Eastside Businessmen's Club.

The public will have an opportunity to walk among the tombstones, sign a guest book and offer comments. Members of Madison's Veterans for Peace will be present at all times, including overnight since the display will be available until Monday evening, November 12.

Among the tombstones will be more than 80 small Wisconsin flags which will designate Wisconsin soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.


http://www.madison.com/communities/madveteransforpeace

(I just drove past it, very striking display.)

[midnight]

1. What a wonderful way to bring attention to those military

veterans who bring another voice to this illigal war. Bring them home!!!!!!!