Veterans for Peace UK was started in 2011 by former SAS soldier Ben Griffin after a chance meeting with Barry Ladendorf (VfP – San Diego) in a London bookshop. Veterans from all three services and from all parts of the UK have become members. The organisation works within the Mission Statement and the Pledge of Non-Violence constituted by Veterans for Peace which was established in the United States in 1985. Veterans for Peace UK was established in 2012.
Aims
- Resist war through non-violent action
- Support persecuted war-resisters
- Counter militarism in society and educate on the true nature of war.
Mission Statement
We, having dutifully served our nation, do hereby affirm our greater responsibility to serve the cause of world peace. To this end we will work, with others:
* Toward increasing public awareness of the costs of war
* To restrain our government from intervening, overtly and covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations
* To end the arms race and to reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons
* To seek justice for veterans and victims of war
* To abolish war as an instrument of national policy
To achieve these goals, members of Veterans For Peace pledge to use non-violent means and to maintain an organization that is both democratic and open, with the understanding that all members are trusted to act in the best interests of the group for the larger purpose of world peace.
Pledge of Non-Violence
1. We will use our anger at injustice as a positive, nonviolent force for change.
2. We will not carry weapons of any kind.
3. We will not vandalize or destroy property.
4. We will not use or carry alcohol or illegal drugs.
5. We will not run or make threatening motions.
6. We will not insult, swear or attack others.
7. We will protect those who oppose or disagree with us from insult or attack.
8. We will not assault, verbally or physically, those who oppose or disagree with us, even if they assault us.
9. Our attitude, as conveyed through our words, symbols and actions, will be one of openness, friendliness, and respect toward all people we encounter including police officers, military personnel, members of the community at large, and all marchers.
10. As members of a nonviolent action, we will follow the directions of the designated coordinators.
11. In the event of a serious disagreement, we will withdraw from the action.
