FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tom Burns,865-482-5735
Wednesday, March 19,
Contact: Joan Nelson 482 1591
ridgejoan@gmail.com

*** Press Event Wednesday, 3/19, 7:30 PM***

Anderson County Citizens Gather to Mark 5 Years of Devastating War

Citizens in Anderson County, TN urge Congress: "Invest in America, Not Endless War in Iraq"

Candlelight vigil at Friendship Bell in Bissell Park, Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge, TN – Citizens of Oak Ridge and surrounding communities will hold a vigil Wednesday to mark the end of the 5th year that the US has been mired in the devastating war in Iraq. The event will honor the sacrifice of American soldiers killed in Iraq and participants will ring the bell, read personal accounts written by veterans and members of military families affected by the war.

In the past five years, our nation has lost nearly 4,000 American soldiers--and many more Iraqi civilians have been killed in the fighting. With no political progress in sight and a sinking economy, American voters are questioning the priorities of leaders who squander billions of dollars in Iraq while leaving basic needs at home unmet.

"It is time to end the war in Iraq and set new priorities for America" said Tom Burns, chair of Democracy for East Tennessee. "We urge Senators Alexander and Corker to pass legislation to begin redeploying American troops out of Iraq this year and start investing to help folks who are hurting at home."

Everyone will be invited to speak or read something brief and to ring the bell in remembrance for all those who have died or been wounded physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually by this travesty.

Vigil details:

Who: Residents of Anderson County, members of Democracy for East Tennessee and MoveOn.org
Where: Friendship Bell in Bissell Park, Oak Ridge
When: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 7:30 PM