A tentative outline of this November’s Commemorative Gathering agenda is as follows:
Friday, November 15th (2420 Fort. Benning Rd. – Columbus, GA 31903)
5:30pm: Sunset/Candlelight Vigil at the gates of Fort Benning and Welcome from Roy Bourgeois, SOA Watch Staff, and the Commemorative Gathering Working Group. We will begin promptly at 5:30, we recommend arriving early
7:00pm: People are invited to meet for a community gathering at the Vallarta restaurant one mile from the gate of Ft. Benning (2151 Fort Benning Rd.)
Saturday, November 16th (Bibb Event Center 3715 1st Ave. – Columbus GA 31904)
8:00am: Registration
9:00am: Welcome, opening, and keynote speaker at the Bibb Mill Event Center
10:00am: Tribute to the Prisoners of Conscience and those who have “crossed the line” at Fort Benning
10:15am: Panel I – SOA Watch: Bridging the Past and the Present of the Organization, the Movement, and Lessons Learned over the last 30 years of Resistance
1:00pm: Music
1:30pm: Panel II – The Frontlines of Resistance: Effective Organizing Strategies in the Face of US-led and Supported Violence
5:00pm: Break
6:00pm – 7:30pm: Pax Christi Program
Sunday November 17th (South Entrance Gate, 2420 Fort. Benning Rd. – Columbus, GA 31903)
9:15am: Walk of Peace Pagods Buddhists and Veterans for Peace (leaving Candlewood Suites, 3389 Victory Drive, 1.6 miles, about 30 minutes)
9:30am: Program will be at the Gates of Ft. Benning: Litany, Presentes, procession of the fallen, music and the Puppetistas.
2:30pm: SOA Watch community and friends will be gathering at the Vallarta restaurant (2151 Fort Benning Rd.) – all are welcome to join us!
We hope to see you at the gates of Ft. Benning next month! Simultaneous events are being planned and encouraged in various cities throughout the Americas! If you are not able to join us, but interested in organizing or attending an event in our city, please email us!
