DERRY-Iraq War Veteran Jimmy Massey *Public Meeting

derry | anti-war / imperialism | event notice Tuesday January 31, 2006 18:01 by FEIC

FORMER US MARINE IN DERRY TO SPEAK ON WAR CRIMES

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FEIC UNVEIL PLAQUE TO REMEMBER VICTIMS OF THE ARMS TRADE Thurs 2nd Feb 2006

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At 5.00pm on 2nd February 2006, Former Staff Sergeant Jimmy Massey of the US Marines and veteran of the ongoing occupation of Iraq will unveil a plaque in Guildhall Square to remember victims of war. The Foyle Ethical Investment Campaign has commissioned the plaque in Guildhall Square to remember all of those killed by weapons of mass destruction since Derry City Council welcomed arms manufacturers Raytheon to Derry on 24th August 1999.

To those who knew and loved them, we add our sorrow and condolences

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AN EVENING WITH JIMMY MASSEY Thursday 2nd Feb 2006

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Former Staff Sergeant Jimmy Massey, a 12-year Marine veteran, lives in Waynesville, North Carolina, a small town in the Smoky Mountains. He is one of a growing number of American soldiers returning from Iraq who have become outspoken opponents of the war. Massey entered Iraq as part of the initial US invasion in March 2003. He witnessed-and in some cases participated in-the killing of innocent civilians. During a single 48-hour period, he says, he saw as many as 30 civilians killed by US gunfire at highway checkpoints. The brutality of the US military's retaliation against the growing resistance of the Iraqi people transformed his view of the occupation. Jimmy Massey has become one of the most articulate voices of anti-war opposition in the United States. He gives insights into the "economic draft" that is now operative, the disregard for the Geneva Conventions by U.S. Forces & the lies that were told to market this war. He gives the perspective of someone involved in the invasion and occupation of Iraq.

Jimmy will be speaking ‘Upstairs in Badgers’ 16-18, Orchard St, at 7.00pm, Thursday 2nd February.

Jimmy Massey said:

“As far as I’m concerned, the real war did not begin until they saw us murdering innocent civilians. I mean, they were witnessing their loved ones being murdered by US Marines. It’s kind of hard to tell someone that they are being liberated when they just saw their child shot or lost their husband or grandmother. We signaled a car to stop and when it didn’t we opened fire. They were innocent civilians. We found no weapons, no explosives—nothing. Somehow, and I have no idea how he could have done it, but one guy got out of the car and he wasn’t badly wounded. He was the brother of one of the men bleeding to death in the car. He looked at me and asked, ‘Why did you kill my brother. What did he do to you?’ There were 30-plus civilians killed over two days at these checkpoints.”

FEIC Spokesperson Jim Keys said:

“In this week when we in Derry remember Bloody Sunday and the ongoing struggle for justice for its victims, it is particularly appropriate for us to reflect on the relationship of our city to other conflicts. There can be few people better placed to tell us what is wrong with the occupation of Iraq than a former US marine who actually participated in war crimes in that country. Derry City Council have rightly remembered all victims of war from this city. But we now remember the other victims of war – particularly because our city now plays its part in their deaths. We need to remember that those who collude in the production of weapons that are used to commit war crimes can be just as responsible as those who pull the trigger or push the button. We remember all those people who have been killed and maimed since Derry City Council welcomed the world’s biggest missile manufacturer to Derry in 1999. To those who knew and loved them, we add our sorrow and condolences”

For more information ring Robbie McVeigh on 02871 280268