Today is the 4th of July, 2008, about 9 pm when firework displays usually start. We will not attend these. As Veterans for Peace we reject these simulations of war, which should not be used to celebrate or represent our country. This pervasive symbolism in America that glamorizes and sanitizes violence, together with dehumanization of other peoples such as the Vietnamese 40 years ago and Arabs today, contributes to the moral apathy of Americans as we attack, occupy and lay waste to the nation and people of Iraq. Our seizure of Iraq violates international laws which prohibit aggressive war, laws to which we are bound by our Constitution which declares our treaty obligations the "supreme law of the land." These include the United Nations Charter. Upon joining the military we swore an oath "to support and defend the Constitution of the United States." Yet today, American soldiers are being prosecuted for doing just that. On July 16, a 23-year old soldier from our city, PFC James...