Скачать или смотреть “Vets Say No: No War on Our Cities,” Veterans Day Commemoration Los Angeles

“I will say, I did believe in the cause that I was serving: to defend the country, to defend the people. It was shortly after where I realized, we weren’t really serving the people; we were serving the interests of the billionaire class.”— Alejandro Orellana, Lance Corporal, USMCCentro CSO / FRSO

LOS ANGELES, CA — On Tuesday, November 11, veterans, community organizations, and allies rallied as part of the national day of action “Vets Say No: No War on Our Cities,” joining thousands mobilizing across the country on Veterans Day. The nationwide rallies were organized by the May Day Strong Coalition and About Face: Veterans Against the War @aboutfacelosangeles , highlighting demands to end the militarization and occupation of U.S. cities.

Veterans in Los Angeles were joined by speakers from numerous local organizations delivering speeches calling for fully funded public schools, universal healthcare, protections for workers’ rights, and defense of immigrant families and Black and brown communities. Many also drew attention to the United States’ role in the genocide in Gaza and expressed support for Palestinian liberation.

Organizers with About Face @vetsaboutface , a national collective of service members and veterans committed to ending “a foreign policy of permanent war” and the use of military weapons and tactics in communities across the country, emphasized the importance of community support. They encouraged current and former military members to reach out for connection, resources, and political education.