I am a Conscientious Objector - November 11, 2004, Veterans Program

Traprock Peace Center
103A Keets Road, Deerfield, MA 01342 (413) 773-7427 www.traprockpeace.org

Together We Explore Nonviolence, Foster Community, Work to end war, Promote Communication & Take Initiatives on Environmental and Justice issues

Hear also Frances Crowe interview; Ben Sherman interview

I am a Conscientious Objector - November 11, 2004
Traprock Peace Center's Veterans Program held at Greenfield Community College

Hear and Download Audio from this program:

Introduction - song followed by testimonies on being a conscientious objector - mp3 audio; 44:54 min; 15.5 mb; RealAudio for dialups.

Frances Crowe presentation - mp3 audio; 26:55 min; 9.3 mb: RealAudio version.

Question and answer session - mp3 audio; 28:46 min; 9/9 mb; RealAudio version.

Click on thumbnail to see full size image; navigate through album using arrows that will appear in upper right.

Annie Hassett led songs at the beginning and end of the program.

Frances Crowe, guest of honor; Jonathan Snelling and Vince O'Connor

Sunny Miller, Traprock's executive director, organized and moderated the event. She asked members of a panel of conscientious objectors to explain what led them to their positions and what they are doing now as conscientious objectors.

Frances Crowe, a co-founder of Traprock Peace Center and draft counselor for 2000 people during the Vietnam war. Frances was the guest of honor and gave the keynote address after the panel presentations.

She discussed how to exercise your legal right not to be drafted into wars, on the basis of deeply held, moral, ethical, philosophical or religious beliefs. Draft registration and alternative service were also discussed.

Aaron Falbel

Jonathan Snelling

Vince O'Connor

Eric Wasileski, Traprock Core Group member and president of the local Wally Nelson Chapter of Veterans for Peace

This thirteen year old came forward and explained why he is a conscientious objector.

This young woman explained her opposition to war.

Aaron Ford is another conscientious objector. He and Sunny Miller interviewed Frances Crowe earlier this year. The interview - available for audio download - is a great primer on how to become a conscientious objector.

One hundred people, including many young people, jammed the GCC cafeteria for the program.

Frances Crowe gave the keynote address. She and the panel answered the many questions that followed.

Many stayed after the program for small groups discussions. Here is a literature table - young participants were encouraged to take literature to share with their friends and to bring to their schools. Many also signed up for draft and service counselor trainings.

Program Notice

"I am a Conscientious Objector."
Traprock Peace Center invites people of all ages all concerned about the tragedies of war to a program at Greenfield Community College titled, "I am a Conscientious Objector."

The program opens with a song at 6:30 pm, Thursday, November 11 in the cafeteria. Hear from conscientious objectors of every age and keynote speaker, Frances Crowe, a co-founder of Traprock Peace Center and draft counselor for 2000 people during the Vietnam war. She will discuss how to exercise your legal right not to be drafted into wars, on the basis of deeply held, moral, ethical, philosophical or religious beliefs. Draft registration and alternative service will also be discussed.

Files, literature and materials will be on hand for people of all ages who wish to begin their C.O. files on the spot. At the close of the program interested participants can sign up for two, three-hour trainings, to become draft and service counselors. For more information call 773-7427. Interviews on conscientious objection are available at www.traprockpeace.org.

This event is free and wheelchair accessible. There will be no food service in the cafeteria on this Veterans Day Holiday.

photos @ 2004 Charles Jenks 11/14/04