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IAVA to Honor the Fallen on Memorial Day with Arlington Wreath Laying and #GoSilent Digital Activation

NEW YORK, NY (May 26, 2017) – Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the leading voice for the post-9/11 generation of veterans, will honor the fallen by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, visiting Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, and activating thousands of Americans across the country to #GoSilent for Memorial Day.  IAVA will also be participating in Rolling Thunder programming on the National Mall.  

This year, as a part of our campaign to support women veterans, IAVA is also drawing extra attention to the nearly 200 women killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11, which underscores the urgent need to fully 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, IAVA Executive Director and Iraq War Veteran. “This year, in addition to reminding Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, IAVA is also drawing special attention to women who have made the ultimate sacrifice. And we hope the media follows our lead.” 

Jaslow will lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. 

“We invite all Americans to share a moment of silence with us in honor of all men and women who have fallen in the line of duty,” continued Jaslow. “We ask participants to encourage their friends and family to take just one minute to join thousands as we #GoSilent as well.  As our country remains deeply divided, this is one easy way for us all to unite as Americans. Don’t let your holiday weekend get in the way. ” 

The Netflix original film and IAVA Films partner ‘War Machine’, along with stars Brad Pitt, Anthony Michael Hall, and Russell Crowe, have joined the #GoSilent campaign. #GoSilent is a groundbreaking and innovative effort that calls on all Americans to pledge online to observe a moment of silence at 3 PM EST/12PM PST on Memorial Day to honor those who have fallen. The campaign serves as a reminder of the true meaning of the day.  

Saturday, May 27, in Washington, D.C., IAVA Legislative Director Tom Porter and Afghanistan War Veteran will rally motorcycle riders at the annual Rolling Thunder event. Over a million riders and spectators take part in this demonstration each year.

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, IAVA staff and members will participate in a wreath-laying event at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Following the wreath-laying, IAVA staff and supporters will join to walk to Section 60 of the cemetery where many of those who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan have been laid to rest.  

Rolling Thunder

WHEN: Saturday, May 27, 12:00 p.m. ET

WHERE: Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

For more information: rollingthunderrun.com 

National Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery

WHEN: Memorial Day, May 29, 11 a.m. ET

WHERE: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery

For more information: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/News/Post/3682/National-Memorial-Day-Observance-at-Arlington-National-Cemetery

 

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