Veterans for Peace

Veterans for Peace
Name	Veterans for Peace
Founded	0 1985
Founders	David Cline, Brian Willson, John Judge
Type	Nonprofit, NGO
Focus	Anti-war, Veteran advocacy, Peace movement
Headquarters	St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Website	https://www.veteransforpeace.org

Veterans for Peace. Founded in 1985, it is a non-governmental organization composed of military veterans and allies dedicated to building a culture of peace. The organization's members, having served in conflicts from World War II to the War in Afghanistan, leverage their firsthand experience to advocate for alternatives to war. It is structured with chapters across the United States and maintains affiliations with international peace groups.

History

The organization was established in 1985 in response to U.S. military interventions in Central America, particularly the Contra war in Nicaragua and conflicts in El Salvador. Founding members included Vietnam War veterans like David Cline and Brian Willson, who were also active in the Vietnam Veterans Against the War. Early actions included protests at the School of the Americas and solidarity work with victims of war. Its growth accelerated during the Gulf War and again significantly following the 2003 invasion of Iraq, as many veterans of the Iraq War and the Global War on Terrorism joined its ranks.

Mission and principles

The central mission is to increase public awareness of the true costs of war and to seek peaceful, just alternatives to international conflict. Key principles, outlined in its statement of purpose, include a commitment to nonviolence, the abolition of war as an instrument of national policy, and justice for veterans and victims of war. The organization emphasizes the need for a shift in national priorities from military spending to addressing human needs, drawing on the experiences of its members from places like Khe Sanh and Fallujah.

Organization and chapters

It is governed by a national board of directors and maintains a national office in St. Louis. The structure is decentralized, with over 140 local chapters across the United States and abroad, including active groups in the United Kingdom and Japan. Chapters operate with considerable autonomy, organizing local educational events, vigils, and lobbying efforts directed at representatives in the United States Congress. The national organization coordinates larger campaigns and holds an annual convention, such as those held in Albuquerque or Boston.

Activities and campaigns

Primary activities include public education through speaking tours at venues like the University of California, Berkeley and Grinnell College, as well as direct nonviolent action. Major campaigns have focused on closing the School of the Americas, ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, abolishing nuclear weapons, and opposing the use of drones. Members often participate in and lead demonstrations, including the annual March on the Pentagon and protests at Navy Base Kitsap. The organization also publishes the quarterly newsletter "Peace Patriot."

Notable members and supporters

Prominent members have included Medal of Honor recipient Thomas G. Kelley, former CIA analyst Ray McGovern, and author Smedley D. Butler (posthumously honored). Other notable figures are Daniel Ellsberg of Pentagon Papers fame, Kathy Kelly of Voices in the Wilderness, and musician Tom Morello. Many members, such as Camillo Mac Bica and Garett Reppenhagen, are respected scholars and activists within the broader Anti-war movement.

Criticism and controversies

The organization has faced criticism from some veterans' groups like the American Legion and political commentators who accuse it of being unpatriotic or undermining the United States Armed Forces. Its opposition to specific military actions, such as the 1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia and support for Chelsea Manning, has been contentious. Internal debates have occasionally surfaced over tactics and political alignment, particularly regarding engagements with groups like Code Pink or positions on conflicts in the Middle East.

Category:Anti-war organizations in the United States Category:Veterans' organizations based in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1985 Category:Peace organizations