Thousands of American soldiers have gone absent without leave or filed as conscientious objectors rather than fight in Iraq and Afghanistan. Among them are highly decorated officers and veterans. Military statistics are hard to come by, but the ranks of war resisters within the armed forces appear to be swelling. By refusing to participate any longer in these wars for reasons of conscience, all of these soldiers risk loss of liberty, economic deprivation, social ostracism and even bodily harm.
This music video is offered in tribute to these war resisters, as well as the sympathetic but silent comrades they undoubtedly represent. May we stand in solidarity with them, defending their right to the free exercise of conscience, even as we seek the well-being of those soldiers who, choosing differently, continue to fight. May all the troops come home soon.
"War will exist," declared President John Kennedy, decades ago, "until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today."
To view this video, either click here or watch the embedded video below.
Video created by Phyllis Cole-Dai. Original piano music composed and performed by Phyllis Cole-Dai, www.phylliscoledai.com.