AN OPEN LETTER
TO CODE PINK
The Silver Star Families of America was founded for one purpose: To remember, honor and assist the wounded of our Armed Forces in any way possible.
We are a non profit 501 3 c organization. We are non-political and non-religious. We support no candidates for office and we abide strictly by the rules and regulations of our 501 c and the laws of the United States.
The furthest thing from our minds is to come into conflict with another organization. We have no desire to expend our time or funds on anything but our wounded. However: When an organization’s actions have an adverse affect on our wounded children then it is permissible, nay mandatory, in our Charter that we take action.
I am making a request. It is a sincere one: Please stop your protesting at events or places where our wounded are present. Please stop your protests at places where the families of our honored dead are present.
If you truly are “for the troops” you will honor my request.
I understand your rights of protest. I understand your mission. (I don’t agree with it but I understand it). But as AMERICANS I am asking that you forgo your seeming use of our wounded or our dead as pawns for publicity.
These wounded warriors have done you no injustice. They are not your enemies. They are your citizen-soldiers.
They did not answer our Nation’s call to spite you, - and they did not go in Harm’s Way to be in your face. Beyond the pain and disfigurement of their own wounds, most are dealing with horrific memories, including the death of comrades and innocent victims of terrorism. Your actions – seemingly a deliberate attempt to add insult to injury - are causing many of these brave Americans much additional long-term anguish and suffering.
They are the most vulnerable of us all and they deserve peace to heal.
If you won’t do this for them do it for yourselves. I think I can guarantee you will feel better knowing that you are honoring our wounded and our dead.
Steve Newton
CODE PINK RESPONSE
Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2007
Mr. Newton
Thank you and everyone at Silver Star Families of America for taking the time to write. I appreciate your hard work in honoring the men and women who have sacrificed so much.
You state you understand the mission of Code Pink but I feel you truly do not since you go on to accuse us of using the veterans as publicity pawns. Code Pink is also a non-profit 501 3 c organization. We too are non-political and non-religious. We too support no candidates for office and abide strictly by the rules and regulations of our 501 c and the laws of the United States. Code Pink works to bring peace, justice, accountability, and equality in our community and beyond.
At no time did Code Pink of the Ozarks protest any veteran of veterans organization. Our banner said "IMPEACH". Nothing more, nothing less. To state that the word impeach insults veterans is twisting the meaning of the word and the statement that was made. I come from a military family and know very much the sacrifices made by our brave men and women. I would never insult any veteran nor would I protest a veterans organization. The date and place was chosen by information on the website of the Springfield Cardinals. Their website made no mention of the date being to honor veterans. Regardless our message was not directed at any veteran. Although I do not apologize for our actions I do apologize that any person of your organization took our message personally as an insult.
I make the promise that Code Pink of the Ozarks will never protest your events or the veterans. This is an easy and reasonable promise to make since we have never protested the Silver Star Families. I look forward to sharing this community peacefully with you and your organization. Thanks again for the hard work of Silver Star Families of America. Bless you all.
Gary Wilson
Copyright 2005-2008
All Rights Reserved
The Silver Star Families of America is a non-partisan, not-for-profit charitable organization committed to supporting the United States Wounded Military Members and Veterans from all wars, past and present, and honoring their sacrifice with Silver Star Banners.
Content within this web site is the sole property of The Silver Star Families of America
"All photos and letters sent to the SSFOA become the property of the organization to be used
in any way we deem appropriate."
SSFOA reserves the right to conduct the day to day business of the organization as they deem
appropriate. State Coordinators and Reps will be chosen at the discretion of
SSFOA National Headquarters.
SSFOA is an all volunteer 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit public charity organization.
See your tax advisor.
