FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Gail Capobianco,518-817-5920, 583-8838
Wednesday, March 19, 2008

*** Press Event Wednesday, 3/19/08, ***

Capital Region residents Gather to Mark 5 Years of Devastating War

MoveOn Members in Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, Hudson, Glens Falls, Voorheesville, & Schodack urge Congress: "Invest in America, Not Endless War in Iraq"

Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, Hudson, Glens Falls, Voorheesville, & Schodack – Residents all over the Capital Region will hold vigils Wednesday to mark the end of the 5th year that the US has been mired in the devastating war in Iraq. The event will honor the sacrifice of American soldiers killed in Iraq and participants will read personal accounts written by veterans and members of military families affected by the war.

In the past five years, our nation has lost nearly 4,000 American soldiers--and many more Iraqi civilians have been killed in the fighting. With no political progress in sight and a sinking economy, American voters are questioning the priorities of leaders who squander billions of dollars in Iraq while leaving basic needs at home unmet.

"It is time to end the war in Iraq and set new priorities for America" said Hervie Harris, a Vietnam Navy Veteran, and MoveOn.org Political Action member from Schodack. "We urge Senators Schumer & Clinton to pass legislation to begin redeploying American troops out of Iraq this year and start investing to help folks who are hurting at home."

"We call on all concerned citizens from the region to join us in Albany on March 22nd at 1:30pm at the Capital for a Peace Walk "Remembering the Fallen" *** said Laura Taylor, a MoveOn.org Political Action member from North Greenbush, whose brother is currently serving in the Air Force.

People will gather at vigils (evening vigils with candlelight) holding signs that say
"Invest In America, Not Endless War In Iraq" and "Keep 'em safe, Bring 'em home."

Vigil details:
Who: Residents of the Capital Region; members of MoveOn.org & local Peace groups
When & Where: Wednesday, March 19, 2008, times & locations below
• 12pm: Albany, State & Eagle - cosponsored by Upper Hudson Peace Action, Albany Friends, Grannies for Peace and others - vigil will be preceded by a Press Conference announcing Saturday's "Remembering the Fallen" Peace Walk ***
• 12pm-3pm: Hudson, 446 Warren St - cosponsored by Chatham Peace Initiative
• 4:30pm: Schodack, Rt 20 & Shurman Rd - cosponsored by Southern Rensselaer Neighbors for Peace
• 6pm: Glens Falls, 65 Ridge St
• 6:15pm: Schenectady, State St & Rt 7 - cosponsored by Schenectady Neighbors for Peace
• 7pm: Voorheesville, Village Clock Tower Park
• 8pm: Saratoga Springs, Broadway & Church - at 8:45pm to march to Congress Park; also showing documentary "Winter Soldier" repeatedly from 1pm to 9pm at the Art Center at Congress Park

Details and signup pages online at political.moveon.org/event/5yearsvigil

Excellent visuals. People gathering with candles, signs, flowers, and photos.
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*** see rememberingthefallen.org for Sat. 3/22 Albany Peace Walk