SCHOOL OF THE AMERICAS
One by one, make the line
longer
Two by two, our movement's
getting stronger
Me and you and millions of people
In your own town and my town,
Our numbers are growing.
-- Francine Schwarzenberger, OP
Over 16,000 people from across the Americas converged at the gates of Ft. Benning Georgia on November 19-21, 2004 in the largest and most diverse demonstration yet. They came to speak in opposition to the School of the Americas. A military school that trains Latin American soldiers. There were many things prior to the demonstration itself: legislative trainings, student/youth and labor caucuses covering a range of topics from anti-racism to Colombia.
At the rally those gathered heard from Sister Helen Prejean, Rev. Graylan Hagler. The showing of the SOA Watch video, Convictions, Prisoners of Conscience was shown and the keynote address was given by Elizabeth Betita Martinez. The rally ended on Sunday with a solemn funeral procession to the gates of Ft. Benning. Fifteen people were arrested in acts of nonviolent civil disobedience. Since the protest began fourteen years ago 217 people have served probation, home confinement, or prison sentences of up to two years for civil disobedience. Everyone gathered to pray and remember the thousands who have died in Central and South America. They came to protest the millions and millions of dollars our country pours into war projects and too few spent on peace efforts.
Dominicans from across the country gathered as a group for the solemn funeral procession.