Walk for Peace: August 7 to 9, 2009
From Camp Williams to Fort McCoy
Camp Williams is headquarters to the 32nd Brigade Combat Team of the Wisconsin National Guard. The 32nd BCT is currently deployed to Iraq, the largest combat deployment of the Wisconsin Guard since World War II. The 32nd BCT originated as the Red Arrow Division that served the most days in combat of any Army or Army Guard unit during World War II. Camp Williams is located next to the community of Camp Douglas, Wisconsin.
Fort McCoy plays a key role in the mobilization of Army Guard and Army Reserve units deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. In the spring and summer of 2009 several units are scheduled for mobilization training prior to deployment.
Last summer, Voices for Creative Nonviolence organized “Witness Against War”. Part of this walk was the first act of nonviolent civil resistance to take place at Fort McCoy since 1991. This action resulted in the arrests and convictions of 13 people seeking to enter the base to talk with members of the National Guard.
To commemorate the Feast of the Holy Innocents, three people were arrested seeking entry into Fort McCoy to nonviolently resist the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
This summer’s Walk for Peace will conclude at the main gate to Fort McCoy on August 9 and will include another act of nonviolent civil resistance.
Nonviolence training will take place the day before for those who may choose to risk arrest.
Similar to the 35-year campaign that concluded when the Navy shut down its nuclear first strike transmitter Project ELF in northern Wisconsin and Michigan, organizers plan to continue this campaign of nonviolent resistance at Fort McCoy until U.S. aggression in Iraq and Afghanistan is brought to an end.
WALK ROUTE:
The route will follow Highway 12 from the gates of Camp Williams (located just outside the community of Camp Douglas) to Tomah. From Tomah it will follow Highway 21 to the main gate of Fort McCoy.
WALK SCHEDULE:
August 7 — 8:00 a.m. Vigil at the main gate to Camp Williams. Depart at approximately 8:30 a.m. and walk to Tomah following Highway 12.
August 8 — 9:00 a.m. Depart Gillett Park in Tomah and walk to Tunnel City.
August 9 — 10:00 a.m. Depart Tunnel City and walk to Fort McCoy.
NONVIOLENCE WORKSHOP
August 8 — 2:00 p.m. Pavillion at Lake Park in Tomah.
CAMPING:
The Walk for Peace has reserved campsites in the area. We will be setting up campsites in the afternoon / evening of August 6.
If you would like to camp with us, please contact Nukewatch at 715-472-4185 to reserve a space.
Other camping is available in the area and Voices can suggest other camping locations if space fills up or if you prefer to make your own arrangements. We’ll soon have information on this site regarding other campgrounds and hotels in the area.
