I am crying for you and all mothers who lost their precious children to the USA war machine. And I applaud you for turning away from the flags, the nationalism, the rah rah USA and devoting your energy, your heart, your soul to fighting that war machine. Thank you for sharing those words by Smedley Butler. I just realized Casey was born on JFK's birthday and died on the day MLK was assassinated, one year after his amazing anti-war speech, Beyond Vietnam. There is nothing I can do to ease your pain, but to join you to end the USA empire and war machine.
These "patriotic" holidays are so offensive. They illustrate the shallowness of our society perfectly with all the BS about freedom and flags. Then let's go drink beer and barbecue the bodies of dead animals. USA! USA!
I walked in your presence at Camp Casey so long ago. I could not find the words at the time that I felt would give you comfort and strength. My grown son was with me, as well as a Vietnam vet. Today, we mourn. Our mourning will not undo the loss. It will enable us to keep our loved ones in our hearts. Our perception of time is altered as the years become decades, while it was only yesterday. As we approach the darkness of a potential nuclear war, Gold Star mothers have been given a voice that's distinct. I honor your presence. Thank you for your witness and I reach out to you in the utmost respect.
I have felt for many years respect and fellowship with Cindy. When I was not much older than her dearly beloved son, Casey, I was on active duty many years earlier as an army chaplain, hoping (reasonably and strangely and naively that I could in some way help relieve suffering. Finally I resigned from the war machine when I more fully came to understand many things, including some of the pain of mothers, of Cindy, and others who shared her loss. As a young child I remember going to a cemetery with family to honor not military deaths but family loved ones. In later years when I was older Memorial Day became something reminding not of family love but of military service to the darkness described ever so well for Smedley Butler and of whom I learned as an adult. Ten years of university studies never introduced me to him. We know why not.
Cindy, I've followed your story since 2004 and (I think) read you mostly at common dreams.org. Your story gives me pause each Memorial Day, Veterans Day, July 4th, to reflect of how much work mothers do to raise their kids only have the State take it all away (...especially for the (real) reasons we all know). It's just maddening to see how much is given with nothing to show for it but anger and sadness. Thank you for still standing tall and calling it like you see it. Bless you.
May 28, 2023·edited May 28, 2023Liked by Cindy Sheehan
It is mothers who sparked many of the antiwar movements of our history. And thus began Mother's Day in the era of the US Civil War.
Julia Ward Howe:
From the bosom of the devastated Earth a voice goes up with our own. It says: “Disarm! Disarm! The sword of murder is not the balance of justice.” Blood does not wipe out dishonor, nor violence indicate possession. As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil at the summons of war, Let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel."
A broken heart can never mend. Your activism in the name of your beloved first-born Casey Austin Sheehan is the greatest tribute a mother can offer. Taking this indescribable experience and turning it into a lifetime seeking peace is the very, very best you can do. He is proud of his Mama.
Thank you. For sharing your pain. I cried during the last minute of your video. if only more "Americans" saw things as clearly as You and I. I am sharing your video on my FB page.
I am crying for you and all mothers who lost their precious children to the USA war machine. And I applaud you for turning away from the flags, the nationalism, the rah rah USA and devoting your energy, your heart, your soul to fighting that war machine. Thank you for sharing those words by Smedley Butler. I just realized Casey was born on JFK's birthday and died on the day MLK was assassinated, one year after his amazing anti-war speech, Beyond Vietnam. There is nothing I can do to ease your pain, but to join you to end the USA empire and war machine.
These "patriotic" holidays are so offensive. They illustrate the shallowness of our society perfectly with all the BS about freedom and flags. Then let's go drink beer and barbecue the bodies of dead animals. USA! USA!
I am always saddened, and yet somehow encouraged, to see how your abiding love for Casey continues to be your impetus.
Sincere condolences dear Cindy. 😢❤
I walked in your presence at Camp Casey so long ago. I could not find the words at the time that I felt would give you comfort and strength. My grown son was with me, as well as a Vietnam vet. Today, we mourn. Our mourning will not undo the loss. It will enable us to keep our loved ones in our hearts. Our perception of time is altered as the years become decades, while it was only yesterday. As we approach the darkness of a potential nuclear war, Gold Star mothers have been given a voice that's distinct. I honor your presence. Thank you for your witness and I reach out to you in the utmost respect.
I have felt for many years respect and fellowship with Cindy. When I was not much older than her dearly beloved son, Casey, I was on active duty many years earlier as an army chaplain, hoping (reasonably and strangely and naively that I could in some way help relieve suffering. Finally I resigned from the war machine when I more fully came to understand many things, including some of the pain of mothers, of Cindy, and others who shared her loss. As a young child I remember going to a cemetery with family to honor not military deaths but family loved ones. In later years when I was older Memorial Day became something reminding not of family love but of military service to the darkness described ever so well for Smedley Butler and of whom I learned as an adult. Ten years of university studies never introduced me to him. We know why not.
Bless you Cindy Sheehan for everything you do!
I agree with everything you have said! Keep up the good work!
Christine
Cindy, I've followed your story since 2004 and (I think) read you mostly at common dreams.org. Your story gives me pause each Memorial Day, Veterans Day, July 4th, to reflect of how much work mothers do to raise their kids only have the State take it all away (...especially for the (real) reasons we all know). It's just maddening to see how much is given with nothing to show for it but anger and sadness. Thank you for still standing tall and calling it like you see it. Bless you.
Thank you for sharing... my heart is with you.
Thank you for fighting the good fight against the rotten one our disconnected elites are waging all over the Globe!
Very moving, Cindy. May peace and love always be with you.
so sad. so angry at the stupidity of it all.
Amen.
It is mothers who sparked many of the antiwar movements of our history. And thus began Mother's Day in the era of the US Civil War.
Julia Ward Howe:
From the bosom of the devastated Earth a voice goes up with our own. It says: “Disarm! Disarm! The sword of murder is not the balance of justice.” Blood does not wipe out dishonor, nor violence indicate possession. As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil at the summons of war, Let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel."
A broken heart can never mend. Your activism in the name of your beloved first-born Casey Austin Sheehan is the greatest tribute a mother can offer. Taking this indescribable experience and turning it into a lifetime seeking peace is the very, very best you can do. He is proud of his Mama.
Thank you. For sharing your pain. I cried during the last minute of your video. if only more "Americans" saw things as clearly as You and I. I am sharing your video on my FB page.
It is perfect for this G.D. holiday.
Actually it should be mo chara