New York, NY (May 29, 2017) — 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. Since then, thousands of Americans have made the call to #GoSilent, including Brad Pitt, Sarah Jessica Parker, Russell Crowe, Stephen Colbert, Minka Kelly, Michelle Monaghan, Ron Perlman, O.A.R’s Marc Roberge and Benj Gershman, Anthony Michael Hall, JW Cortes, Michael Kelly and Noah Galloway. The Netflix original film and IAVA Films partner ‘War Machine ‘, which stars Brad Pitt, Anthony Michael Hall, and Russell Crowe, is also drawing attention to 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. 

Today, before #GoSilent activates, 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.

This year, as a part of our campaign to support women veterans, IAVA is drawing extra attention to the nearly 200 women killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11, underscoring the urgent need to fully recognize # SheWhoBorneTheBattle

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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