Here are some videos from the day's event:

Here's a copy of the Report [linked]. I also copied the report and uploaded to my flickr account, so if you'd prefer, see below:

On the eve of the Iraq War, retired Army Colonel Ann Wright resigned from the State Department, telling then-Sec. of State Colin Powell that without UN authorization the invasion and occupation would be a disaster. She was one of dozens of government insiders and active-duty military personnel who spoke out, leaked documents, resigned, or refused to deploy in protest of illegal government actions.

Col. Wright is one of the country's most prominent critics of the Iraq War and Bush's foreign policy. In her new book, Dissent: Voices of Conscience, Col. Wright and Susan Dixon tell the stories of these men and women. Peace Action is sponsoring her Puget Sound tour:

Col. Wright's Western Washington appearances:

The Olympia Movement for Justice and Peace has wanted to mark the 4,000th U.S. military death in Iraq. During its meeting on Wednesday evening March 26, OMJP decided to mark this milestone by participating in the Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation’s regularly scheduled peace vigil this coming Friday the 28th from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the south end of Percival Landing (4th & Water), in downtown Olympia.

The Olympia FOR is happy to welcome OMJP’s participation. We’re also welcoming some local supporters of the Tibetan people’s longing for cultural autonomy and respect. From time to time other groups participate in the Olympia FOR’s vigil, and we like to let new folks know about this Olympia tradition. We have been vigiling there since November 1998 – initially seeking to raise public awareness of the economic sanctions the previous Bush and Clinton imposed against Iraq.

The Olympia FOR has worked in our local community since 1976 (32 years) to promote peace and social justice. The FOR’s international level (www.ifor.org) and national level (www.forusa.org) have worked courageously and nonviolently since 1914-1915 (beginning of world War I). The FOR has nonviolently opposed all wars from World War I onward.

Olympia, WA - To commemorate the fifth anniversary of the bombing of Baghdad, Veterans for Peace Chapter 109 will host a rally in downtown Olympia to demonstrate the community's frustration with the ongoing war, occupation and U.S. casualties, which are nearing 4,000. "Each new death of a soldier or civilian was some mother's child." - Dennis W. Mills, PhD - U.S. Army 1966-69.

Members of the community will gather from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon on Saturday March 22nd, from the 4th Avenue Bridge in Olympia down to Percival Landing, bearing signs and stories to share. Supported by Operation Democracy Olympia, Thurston County Progressive Network, and many other individuals, businesses and organizations, this family-friendly event will prove to be compelling.

"'Sick Of It' - 4,000 Too Many - 5th/17th Year War Anniversary" Vigil
March 22nd 10:30 am - Noon

Event Description:
Sick of it - the war, the killing, the dying, the wasted resources and lives? Is 4,000 too many? 5th or 17th Year Anniversary of the Iraq War!!! The anniversary of so many sad events are happening in March. Let’s combine these events into one very VISIBLE vigil in Olympia! Bring your signs and your friends and join us from 10:30 until Noon in this family-friendly vigil.
Event Type: Vigil

Location:
500 West 4th Avenue

Directions:
4th Avenue Bridge and down to Percival Landing in Olympia

Organizing Sponsor: Veterans for Peace – Rachel Corrie Chapter 109

Note: after the Vigil, we are invited to join the Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) for their “Soldier, Your’e Not Alone” activities near Fort Lewis.

Olympia Port Militarization (PMR) held a meeting this Sunday, March 2nd at the Olympia Free School, 610 Columbia St., Olympia. The meeting was scheduled for 4:30pm. I am going to leave any comments of mine till later and for now try to stick to the reporting part of this. During the meeting I refrained from making any comments or involving myself in the discussions.

I arrived at approximately 4:20pm. Two people were standing outside the Free School waiting for the person with the key. We were let in by a person next door to the Free School. The meeting started at 4:40pm with a facilitator talking with the participants and developing an agenda. Apparently there was no agenda prior to the meeting. Introductions were made. I introduced myself by name and stated that I was going to do an article for OlyBlog. I have always felt that if you are going to record or interview for publication, ethics require that the person(s) be told that. So everyone there knew that I was taking notes and would be reporting on this meeting. One person raised a question on whether they wanted reporting done on their meeting. This was discussed and the members decided to allow it. There were eleven members present.

A number of announcements were made for other “community” or “progressive” events. Drew Hendricks spoke of a presentation he will give concerning the INS and plans for the removal of illegal aliens, at 6:00pm on March 5th, Seminar 2 Bldg, room A1107, Evergreen College. Alison Bodine, who was recently banned from entry into Canada for two years, requested a speaker from Oly PMR for an event in Seattle. Drew Hendricks volunteered to speak at this event.