Tractivists,
When I got out of the Marines in 2004, I never thought that six years later I’d be struggling with PTSD, active in
Iraq Veterans Against the War, or even need to be challenging the wars that are
still going on – I just wanted to move on with my life.
When I was enlisted I wanted to be the best Marine I could be, but my own concept of what a good Marine might really be like in the context of militarism and also peace has significantly changed the last few years. With wars still going on in Iraq (yeah we’re still there) and Afghanistan, and now spreading into Pakistan and Yemen, maybe we could all be thinking a little more about what it means to serve and also how veterans transition back into our communities.
For a unique view on war, transitioning out of the military, and the complexities of military service don’t miss the film The Good Soldier.
What: The Good Soldier
When: Thurs, March 25 @ 7PM
Where: Traction HQ: 1018 Broad St. in Durham
The Good Soldier follows the journeys of five combat veterans from different generations of American wars from
WWII to the current
Iraq War as they sign up, go into battle, and eventually change their minds about what it means to be a good soldier. Last summer at a meeting of Iraq Veterans Against the War and
Veterans for Peace, I had the opportunity to see a screening with the filmmakers and two of the soldiers in the film and it was so powerful I got a copy to share with you all.
With today being the anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, and direct actions (including re: Don’t Ask Don’t Tell) going on all over the country, I’m hoping y’all will consider coming out to view the film next Thursday, and afterwards discuss military service, how our society can better treat soldiers and veterans, and what’s (still) going on with the military actions here and abroad.
Peace,
Jeremy Berggren
peace monger, cool scarf lover, Tractivist
P.S. Upcoming Traction events:
Thurs 3/25: ReelPolitik presents: The Good Soldier soldier@getTraction.org
Sun 4/11: Learn to shrink your car’s carbon footprint: greenmyride@getTraction.org
Sat 4/17: Trip to new civil rights museum in Greensboro: gbo@getTraction.org
plus Spring means the Traction Outdoors group is back! Write outdoors@getTraction.org to be in the loop on hikes, swims, berry-pickings and more.
P.P.S. Check out Jon Stewart’s epic hilarious, spot-on parody of Glenn Beck last night. (Thanks to Tractivist Carole Bell for the heads-up!)
This entry was posted
on Friday, March 19th, 2010 at 10:37 am and is filed under Civil Rights, Events, Peace, Tractivists in Action.
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