Lt Watada, I left the Navy Reserves a while ago, due to my opposition to waging an illegal and unjust war in Iraq.  I left in opposition of a war that I believe is counter to the best interests of the UnitedState, the US constitution, and an affront to the honor of my country, of the Navy I loved, and of myself as a fervent patriot.  You are a true man of honor and patriot to your country.  Keep fighting the good fight.  I stand with you, sir.  Good luck and God speed.

We have two returning Iraq vets in our family, both sergeants. I want their officers to be as conscientious and discerning about their orders as Lt. Watada.

All Americans should respect the decision of Army Lt. Ehren Watada to refuse orders and face court martial for his opposition to the Iraq War. The power of conscience should never be stifled by a state without one.

My sister was one of those murdered on 9/11 and this war has never been fought in my name or those of my sister's family. President Bush's response to that tragedy is an even greater  tragedy that has caused enormous suffering for our own troops, their families, and the thousands and thousands of innocent Iraqi women, children and men caught in the crossfire. I am grateful that you are declaring this obscenity to be what it is and, as a representative of the military, are refusing to participate in perpetuating its pain and death. Your courage is admirable. You most certainly are an American!

Veterans For Peace applauds First Lieutenant Watada’s courage to follow his convictions and refuse deployment to Iraq.

Veterans For Peace Executive Director Michael McPhearson states, “The Bush administration continues to put our nation’s service members in harms way for no good reason. Today our troops face the long shadows of Abu Ghraib and now Haditha...

As a retired 29 year US Army Reserve Colonel and a US diplomat who resigned in March, 2003 in opposition to the war on Iraq, I applaud the courage and conscience of Lt. Watada for be willing to refuse an order to deploy to the illegal war of aggression on Iraq.

Lt. Watada and anyone else who refuses to fight in this immoral and illegal war in Iraq deserves the support of all who believe in peace, justice, democracy. As a former officer in the military I know how difficult it is to break away from the mindset of viiolence, war, and obedience, so I applaud his courage.

BAYAN-USA, AnakBayan Seattle and AnakBayan Honolulu stand in firm solidarity with all conscientious objectors in the military, including Lieutenant Watada. [Note: Lt. Watada does not claim to be a conscientious objecter as defined by military regulations.]

Send us your statement of support. 

"I wish to voice my support of this brave and courageous officer in his refusal to participate in an illegal and immoral war."
Ms. Sally Davidson, Military Families Speak Out NY/NJ/CT, New York NY

"Thank you. You have many more supporters in spirit around the world, through time from the past into the future, than will ever even know your name!"
Mr. Joseph Maizlish, Los Angeles CA