On Saturday human rights advocates in Spokane will have a candlelight memorial, marking 11 Years of the U.S war and occupation in Afghanistan.
The event, “11 years in Afghanistan: Not one more death, not one more dollar” will be from 5 to 6:15 p.m. in front of the River Front Park Carousel.
Liz Moore, director of the Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane, said 11 candles will be lit and gongs sounded — one for each year of war, with an announcement of the death tolls of soldiers and civilians for each year.
Those in attendance will have “Poppies for Peace.”
Moore will be one of several speakers. Justin Ellenbecker of Veterans will Peace will also speak at the event.
“After 11 years, more than 2,000 troop deaths from fighting and as many from suicide, half a million disability claims from veterans, more than 10,000 Afghan civilians killed and 415,000 internally displaced, more than $570 billion dollars have been sucked out of families' budgets and into the failed war,” Moore said in a news release. “Our nation’s economic crisis must be addressed by adopting new priorities and bringing billions of war dollars home to create a strong, sustainable economy that works for middle class and working people.”
