[Via OMJP]

Olympia PMR Joins Grays Harbor Activists to Protest War and Massive Deployment of Military Cargo to Iraq

Members of Port Militarization Resistance (PMR), an Olympia-based grassroots organization, protest in solidarity with Grays Harbor activists (Olympia, WA) Tuesday, two dozen Kiowa and Blackhawk helicopters landed in Aberdeen to be shipped in a massive deployment of military cargo to Iraq. A Navy ship arrived in the Port of Grays Harbor at 10:25 this morning.

On Friday, about 30 PMR activists joined Aberdeen peace groups in a weekly vigil sponsored by the “Grays Harbor Grannies.” Following the vigil, the group moved to a free speech area, as designated by law enforcement, to protest militarization of the Port of Grays Harbor. Activists are objecting to the illegal attack and occupation of Iraq “resulting in a humanitarian crisis,” and use of the publicly funded port to ship military cargo in support of that illegal war.

Port protest activities have been planned for the weekend and beyond.

Olympia PMR activists declare that “the invasion and occupation of Iraq is contrary to the rule of law inasmuch as it defies agreements that expressly prohibit the belligerent and aggressive invasion of a sovereign nation,” and further, “we can best support our troops by safely bringing them home.” Local law enforcement agencies have designated a "Public Assembly Area" on swampy grounds hundreds of feet from the port property at Port Dock Road for use by "protesters." The area is across from the Home Depot and slightly west of Terminal 4 where the cargo is being stored. "They'll do everything they can to control our message and keep us as far away from the port as possible," said activist Molly Gibbs. "They want to keep us out of sight so cameras can't see what's being loaded in the background."

Additionally, police have designated a mile-long area surrounding the Terminal 4 entrance to the Port as a "NO PARKING ZONE." Residents have been forced to obtain permits to park at their own homes. During the campaign, protesters will walk or be chauffeured to the “free speech” zone. Protest Schedule:

Saturday (05/05/07) 2:00 pm: Meet at the "Port of Grays Harbor Viewing Tower" in Hoquiam at 28th Street and John Stevens Way. This is off of Port Dock Rd. Parking for Zelasko Park is at 1st and Market Streets.

Sunday (05/06/07) 2:00 pm: Meet again at the "Port of Grays Harbor Viewing Tower"

For further information, contact Jeff Berryhill at (253) 334-8781. More to come.