PDA Honors Veterans by Working for Peace

Today is Veterans Day, honoring American veterans of all wars. November 11 (“the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month”) originally commemorated the armistice agreement that ended World War I, misguidedly called the War to End All Wars.

As America and the world continued to engage in destructive warfare and military adventurism, the name of the holiday was changed. Veterans Day honors military service members who have fought for the values of the American Constitution under Republican and Democratic administrations alike.

PDA believes it is not enough to commemorate the military service of our fellow citizens and immigrants hoping for citizenship through service. We work daily to end wars and occupations in the hope that our brave young people will no longer be sent to fight and die in ruinous conflicts around the world. We work daily to advance policies that protect health care, promote sustainability for our economy and our environment, and increase racial and social justice for all Americans. We work daily to hold elected officials accountable to the rule of law, for which our troops have sacrificed so much in the last 244 years.

Two days ago, President Trump fired Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, whose “crime” was refusing to use military troops on American civilians last summer. As we pause to honor veterans today, we hope that all veterans and current military see Trump’s actions over the past week for what they are: a desperate attempt by a would-be dictator using any means necessary to counter the vote of the American people and illegitimately hold onto power.

This year, as we celebrate the election of a new President, we demand a peaceful transfer of power and remain vigilant to actions that controvert and disrupt the electoral process. Through our continuing efforts to adhere to the rule of law in domestic policy, we pay tribute to our veterans who have served honorably. Through our work for international peace, we envision a world where their service will someday no longer be needed.

Please help PDA continue our efforts to bring progressive change to U.S. domestic and foreign policy. Give generously, and volunteer with our national phonebank.