Thirty years ago, US-trained soldiers of the Salvadoran Army massacred six Jesuits, their housekeeper, and her daughter at the University of Central America (UCA) during the civil war in El Salvador to support the right-wing dictatorship of the time. These soldiers were trained in torture and killing tactics by U.S. military personnel from the School of the Americas at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia.
Unfortunately, the School of the Americas is still operating today as the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) and continues to perpetuate human rights violations.
To create justice and peace, the School of the Americas Watch (SOAW) is hosting a Commemorative Gathering on the 30th anniversary of the Jesuit massacre November 15 – 17, and Pax Christi USA will be leading a program based in the Spirituality of Nonviolence, November 16.
Join Us at Our Program in Columbus, GA
Our program is titled: The Spirituality of Nonviolence Lived Out in the Central American Martyrs and Today
This program is part of the SOA Watch’s Commemorative Gathering and is about remembering the past with gratitude, engaging the present with solidarity, and transforming the future with hope followed by a candlelight procession to the gates at the School of the Americas.
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019, 7pm
Where: Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1953 Torch Hill Rd., Columbus, GA
School of the Americas Watch Commemorative Gathering
When: November 15-17, 2019
Where:
The Bibb Mill Event Center (Saturday Location)
3715 First Ave
Columbus, GA 31904
Fort Benning Gates:
2420 Ft. Benning Rd.
Columbus GA
Check out www.soaw.org for more information about:
The Commemorative Gathering
Location/hotel information
Thank you for this email.I remember when these murders happen.For years I’ve gone yearly to School of Americas protest.Canot come this year since I’m caring for 2 Down syndrome boys, No one to cover me.Please keep me posted re this.We cannot let this be turned into a detention center for kids. Obscene!!!!!!What is your sense that we can close this place down?Kay