AWARE (Anti-War Anti-racism Effort) was joined by IVAW, VVAW (including a Gulf War l Veteran Against the War)
Friday at the 4th of July Parade: Champaign County Freedom Celebration.
The Official Parade Theme was Honoring Our Military Heroes.
The AWARE Theme was Honoring Our Military Heroes Who Speak Against War!

*AWARE* and a contingent of veterans who oppose war marched together in the July 4th Parade.
Members of IVAW and VVAW (including military personnel from three recent US wars) joining with
AWARE members was a unique and historic ocassion.
Some VVAW made the effort to be present by traveling from Chicago to join the parade.

The AWARE Float featured *8* Military Heroes who have spoken to oppose war.
Mounted (on individual 6'X8' panels) the AWARE heroes included *Smedley Butler* (USMC Major General WW l)
*Camilo Mejia* (Army Staff Sergeant) *Aaron Hughes* (Army Sergeant) *Tomas Young* (Army PFC)
*David Shoup* (General Commandant of the Marines) *Diedra Cobb* CO (Army Intelligence Specialist)
*Antonio Taguba* (Army Major General) *Robert Wahlfeldt* (WW ll Navy Veteran)

http://imsahp.chambana.net/~randall/july5.pdf (Randall's July 5th Flyer)

Members of AWARE and friends walked together as the veterans led the contingent.
Together former US military and community members joined in a united voice of opposition
to the US government policy of war. Together our groups brought a unique and provocative
message to the 4th of July parade that otherwise glorified war and overlooked the sacrifice asked of
soldiers. Our float and message brought that reality to the public.
The response by onlookers was overall positive.
Local media (News-Gazette) of course chose not to cover our entry.

AWARE and the veterans who marched with us had a united message:
War is not the Answer!
Bring the Troops Home Now!
End the War!