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Other Oregon/SW Washington events on weekend of Sept. 23-26, 2005

Military Families Speak Out of Oregon
c/o Adele Kubein
Corvallis, OR 541-757-0323

For Immediate Release         September 14, 2005

                       Contact: Adele Kubein 541-757- 0323

Rally to Focus on the Human Costs of War
Oregon Military Families call Event in Albany to Coincide with National March
Saturday, September 24, 1 PM, Monteith Park, Albany, OR

Military families whose loved ones are serving overseas or who have died or were wounded in the conflict in Iraq, veterans, peace activists and other concerned Oregonians will rally in Albany, Oregon's Monteith Park, NW Water Ave. at Washington St., on Saturday, September 24 at 1 PM. The rally will include speakers working on an ongoing Campaign to Bring Oregon's Troops Home, music, and more.

Among the participants will be Adele Kubein, whose daughter was wounded in Iraq, and who travelled to Crawford, Texas in August to be part of "Camp Casey" outside of President Bush's ranch there. Kubein is a member of Military Families Speak Out of Oregon, which is working with Gold Star Families for Peace and other groups to organize the day's events.

The event will show solidarity with people all over the world who will be demonstrating that day, particularly a national march on Washington, DC. The focus is on the terrible costs of the war, and the benefits of peace. On display at the park will be prayer flags representing the over 1800 Americans and thousands of Iraqis who have died since the invasion in March, 2003.

Says Kubein, "Our position as military families gives us the authority to speak from a personal level. We feel that if we can share with as many people as possible what it means to have a loved one at war, and an unjust war at that, we may raise awareness. It is important for us to make the public aware of the hidden costs of this war, costs which will continue to affect our lives for many years to come."

The event is envisioned as a peaceful celebration of humanity, and a vehicle to reach a population which ordinarily is not reached. Music will be provided by Sweet on Jethro, Deepwoods Band, Three Hits and a Ms., and others; there will be information booths, and space by the river for the children to play. Organizers encourage participants to "Bring your signs, your blankets, babies, and Barbeques."

Sponsored by: Military Families Speak Out and Gold Star Families for Peace, with support from: Veterans for Peace Chapter 72, Peace and Justice Works, Amnesty International of Bend, Rural Organizing Project, Countering Military Recruitment, OSU Faculty and Staff for Peace and Justice, Women in Black, Alternatives to War, Oregon PeaceWorks, Northwest Veterans for Peace, Portland Central America Solidarity Committee (PCASC), Cross Border Labor Organizing Coalition (CBLOC) and many more.

Peace and Justice Works (PJW) and other groups from Portland will be supporting the effort by arranging transportation to the event. If you or anyone you know can help call PJW at 503-236- 3065. For information on the event contact Adele Kubein at 541-757-0323 or write to Adele by email.