Article: Veterans and Military Families to Open Camp Democracy September 5th

September 5th in Washington DC will witness the opening of a 17-day event called Camp Democracy, a non-partisan camp for peace, democracy, and the restoration of the rule of law. Camp Casey will move from Crawford, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to create a larger camp focused not only on ending the war but also on righting injustices here at home and on holding accountable the Bush Administration and Congress.

Here's a schedule for opening day. The camp is located at Constitution Avenue and 14th Street NW:

8:00 a.m. Participants meet at 1st and Independence March Vigil around Capitol Building to remember the fallen and remind Congress of the human cost of the War in Iraq

8:30 - 9:45 am Vigil symbols march around the Capitol (Tombstones, Crosses and Boots)

9:30 a.m. Move back to Camp Democracy, take Capitol South Metro (1st between C 7D South East Corner) to Smithsonian stop.

10:30 to Noon Key Voices Focus on the war and occupation of Iraq Press conference 30 minutes (Representatives from IVAW, MFSO, GSFP, VFP)
Opening Ceremony -
- David Cline opening statement
- Piscataway Nation Ceremony
- Reverend Yearwood
- Moment of Silence to Remember Fallen both combatants and civilians
- Veterans and Military Families Speak Out

Noon to 1:30 pm Lunch (Reflections and Discussion: Food and Ideas Digestion)

1:30-3:45 Roundtable Discussion (Veterans and Military Families)
Why Bring Them Home Now
How to pressure the government to Bring Them Home Now

4-5:30 Panel on lack of benefits for returning vets, including health, employment, and housing

5:30 to 7:00 pm Dinner (Reflections and Discussion: Food and Ideas Digestion)

7:30-9:30 Panel and Ground Truth Documentary: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Hidden Cost of War

9:30 to 11:00 Joint concert featuring Anne Feeney http://annefeeney.com and Emma's Revolution http://emmasrevolution.com

CAMP DEMOCRACY IS AT http://www.campdemocracy.org