Milwaukee, WI - 50 people turned out for an Iraq Moratorium and anti-School of the Americans march here on the evening of Nov. 21. The event, which coincided with the massive protest at the SOA at Fort Benning, Georgia, was organized by the Milwaukee chapter of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) and Peace Action.

An Iraq Moratorium protest is put on monthly in Milwaukee by SDS. Organizer Kas Schwerdfeger states, “SDS organizes all over the country to protest U.S. imperialism. The occupation of Iraq and the School of Americas are clear examples of U.S. imperialism. Students in Milwaukee are ready to help bring this message to our elected officials.”

The protest called for the immediate closure of the SOA and withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, Afghanistan and all foreign countries under U.S. occupation. The crowd of university students, veterans and community members marched and gathered for a speak-out across from the city hall. Army veteran Aaron Lloyd and Iraq war veteran Ryan Nofsinger gave testimony on their first-hand experiences. Spoken-word artist Rachel Mateson exposed the responsibility of people on all sides of this imperialist crisis.

In response to the events on Friday, first time protester and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee freshman Christina Jirjis, said, “This was a great, unifying experience and I was encouraged by all the support for this cause that we received out there. I will definitely continue to be active towards this endeavor.”

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