Cindy Sheehan and other speakers compared the war in Iraq to the Vietnam War last night in the Kay Spiritual Center. A sign in front of the podium greeted students, proclaiming the message of the night, "Bring Them Home Now."
The event, "Vietnam and Iraq: The Lessons Ignored and Forgotten," was sponsored by the Coalition for Action and Social Justice and organized by history professor Peter Kuznick. Kuznick organized the event as part of his class, "Oliver Stone's America," which examines the Vietnam War and the lessons learned from it.
After an introduction from Kuznick, Bobby Muller, chair of the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, spoke about his experience in Vietnam and the similarities to the situation in Iraq.
"Millions dead, the price that we pay measured in terms beyond the battlefield, the lives shattered, the divisions created, by what I have to say, was a lost war," Muller said.
According to Muller, the Vietnam War was the first war America had ever lost, and that Iraq could be the next war.
"We didn't understand their culture, their history, their experience with occupying forces," he said. "What the hell do you think this administration understands about Iraq?"
Other military veterans and the family members of soldiers joined Muller and spoke out against the War in Iraq. The speakers are part of a nationwide tour called Bring Them Home Now.
Cindy Sheehan, who has become an outspoken advocate against the war following the death of her son Casey, leads them. She became well known for her creation of Camp Casey, a 26-day protest held outside of President Bush's home in Crawford, Texas.
More than 30 men and women shared their personal stories with students, faculty and community members. The speakers made emotional pleas to students, stressing the strain war put on families and the pain death caused.
"It was very powerful," said Kate Stasik, a sophomore in the School of Communication. "I went into it a little bit doubtful, but their stance was much more rational than opponents of their cause made it seem."
Sheehan went on to described how she dealt with the death of her son and how he inspired her to take up action against the war.
"What we are doing is to bring out to America how ugly the war is," Sheehan said.
Sheehan said that telling these stories is difficult.
"We do it not only to heal ourselves, we do it to heal the country...but we can't be healed, we're the parents, aunts, brothers and sisters of those that have been killed innocently."
Some students were not impressed by the emotional aspect of the event.
"It was not what I expected," said Sarah Terocchio, a junior in the Washington Semester Program. "I expected it to be more structured and less emotionally purging."
Sheehan and all of the speakers urged students to participate in the rally to be held outside the White House on Saturday.
"We need to end the cycle of violence now," Sheehan proclaimed. "We need to it peacefully"
