PV father to speak out on Iraq war

October 26, 2007 10:57 am

— A grieving Pauls Valley father is expected to be a featured speaker at a weekend event in Oklahoma City focused on ending the war in Iraq and bringing American troops home.
John Scripsick, father of Marine Cpl. Bryan Scripsick, who was killed last month while serving in Iraq, will speak at the event meant to call for the end of the war.
The demonstration entitled “End The War Now - National Day of Action” is set to go from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at the northeast corner of the intersection of N. Meridian Ave. and Northwest Expressway.
Scripsick will be one of two Oklahoma “Gold Star” fathers to speak.
The demonstration will take place in Oklahoma City in solidarity with United For Peace and Justice, who is hosting massive regional demonstrations and other actions around the country, according to organizers.
“Regional and local events on Saturday may bring out millions of Americans calling for our troops to come home,” said Nathaniel Batchelder, director of the Peace House in Oklahoma City.
“The people of this country know this war is wrong and it must stop,” said media representative Darla Shelden.
“On Saturday, from many cities but in one voice, we will send a clear and unified message: end this war, bring the troops home and fund our communities instead of this immoral war.”
The two Gold Star fathers whose sons died in Iraq will be speakers calling for an end to the war.
“I just want to spare other parents what our family has gone through,” said Warren Henthorn of Choctaw, who lost his son, Jeffrey, during his second tour in Iraq.
The event will include music by special guests, The Electric Primadonnas, drumming by Jahruba, signs, petitions, and post cards to be sent to members of Congress.
Those attending are encouraged to attend, bring signs, drums, lawn chairs and “let their voice be heard.”
For more information about the Oklahoma City event go to the Peace House website http://www.peacehouseok.org/ or for the protests in the 11 other cities across America go to Oct27.org, or unitedforpeace.org.