New York, NY (August 14, 2017) — Today, in response to events over the weekend in Charlottesville, VA, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the leading post-9/11 veterans organization with over 400,000 members worldwide, condemns the violence and any anti-American activity by white supremacists. IAVA and millions of veterans across the country, including military leaders and leading veterans in Congress across the aisle, stand now and always against violence, bigotry and nazism. 

“The detestable actions by white supremacists in Charlottesville this weekend were contrary to the American values that we have pledged to defend and uphold. They were cowardly and un-American. As veterans, we understand better than anyone what our nation’s principles mean, and what it takes to uphold them. Nazism, white supremacy and bigotry have no place in America. Veterans come from all backgrounds, represent the diversity of America and have stood together against our enemies overseas. And we will stand together now against intolerance, hatred and violence here now at home. To those brave men and women standing up to peacefully oppose such un-american actions, to law enforcement attempting to keep the peace, and to National Guardsman thrust into the fray, we have your back and stand with you. America’s post-9/11 veterans look forward to being a productive force for respect, unity and peace. When tough times come, America should know our newest veterans stand ready and willing to meet the challenge,” said Paul Rieckhoff, Founder and CEO of IAVA. 

IAVA joins a military leaders and veterans in office across the aisle to condemn the violence by white supremacists. National Security Advisor General H.R. McMaster, Admiral Mike Mullen, and CNO Admiral John Richardson have all spoken out against the violence. They are joined by veterans from across the aisle, including Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Representatives Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), and many more.