Military News - Military Times

Anti-war veterans march on GOP convention

ST. PAUL, Minn. — About 100 veterans marched in formation to the site of the Republican National Convention on Monday, hoping their experience would lend credibility to their anti-war message.

Many members of Iraq Veterans Against the War were in uniform as they pressed for a meeting with the presidential campaign of John McCain. They want McCain to back additional services for military veterans, particularly those suffering with post-combat mental health problems.

Retired Army 1st Sgt. Wes Davey, 59, of St. Paul, said he was willing to be arrested to make his point. He was led away from the march by a lone police officer, but it wasn’t immediately clear if he had been formally arrested.

Marcher Carlos Arredondo of Boston pulled a flag-draped casket carrying the uniform and boots of his son, Lance Cpl. Alexander S. Arredondo, a Marine killed in Iraq.

“As a father it is my responsibility to honor my son,” he said. “As a citizen of this country, it is my responsibility to participate” in the anti-war march.

Another veteran, Army Spc. Vincent Lenart of Gary, Ind., said he was stationed in Mosul, Iraq, for a year starting in December 2004. He said he hoped the march would get the attention of politicians.

“We have a little more credibility, because we were in the service. Many of us have been over there and actually seen war,” Lenart said.

Iraq Veterans Against the War also marched on the Democratic National Convention in Denver last week.