NEW YORK, NY (May 19, 2017) – Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the leading Post-9/11 veterans empowerment organization, launched its sixth annual #GoSilent digital activation campaign to ensure that all Americans remember the true meaning of Memorial Day. Participants across the nation will pledge online to observe a full minute of silence in honor of fallen American servicemembers. #GoSilent creates a shared, nationwide experience of memorialization, starting at 3:00 PM ET on May 29. For the next few weeks, people can sign up at IAVA.org to participate. They can recognize a friend, family member, grandparent, someone they’ve never met, or just recommit to being a part of the action.  

This year, as a part of an ongoing campaign to support women veterans, IAVA will draw extra attention to the nearly 200 women killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11 and highlight the urgent need to recognize #SheWhoBorneTheBattle.

“Nearly 200 women have been killed since 9/11, yet only 27% of IAVA women members feel the public understands their contributions in the military,” said Allison Jaslow, Executive Director at IAVA. “This year, in addition to reminding Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, we’re also drawing special attention to women who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Share a moment of silence with us in honor of all men and women who have fallen in the line of duty, and encourage your fellow Americans to do the same. If you’re at a BBQ, a ballgame or at the beach with your family, you can still take just one minute to join thousands as we #GoSilent. As our country remains deeply divided, this is one easy way for us all to unite as Americans. Everyone can take just one minute on Memorial Day with friends and family to remember the fallen and #GoSilent.” 

On Memorial Day, coordinated with the National Moment of Silence, as thousands of IAVA supporters #GoSilent worldwide, IAVA’s Allison Jaslow, a combat veterans herself, will also lay a wreath before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery to honor the fallen on behalf of IAVA members everywhere. Following the ceremony, IAVA members from across America will walk together in unity to Section 60 of the Cemetery, to pay respect to many of those lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

All Americans are encouraged to take the #GoSilent pledge at iava.org/go-silent.

Last year, nearly 10,000 people participated in the groundbreaking activation effort. High profile participants included Norman Lear, JR Martinez,Carey Lohrenz, Brian Stelter, and Wes Moore and #GoSilent has been featured by CNN and Fox News. 

To learn more about IAVA’s campaign to recognize and improve services for women veterans, visit SheWhoBorneTheBattle.org.