School of the Americas Watch Romero Legacy Delegation to El Salvador: March 19-26

March 24, 2010 marks the 30th anniversary of the assassination of Monseñor Oscar Romero, Archbishop of El Salvador, on the orders of a graduate of the School of the Americas.

The life and words of Monseñor Romero have been among the greatest inspirations of my life. His commitment to the poor and his ability to speak truth to power helped me commit my own life to peace. That decision has not always been easy, nor has the path always been clear. But, time and again I find myself returning to the words and inspiration of Monseñor Romero to give me strength on this sacred journey of peacemaking.

It is with great joy that I will be traveling to El Salvador to participate in the commemorative activities of this 30th anniversary of "San Romero de las Americas."

I would like to invite you to consider joining me in El Salvador, as part of the SOA Watch Romero Legacy Delegation, from March 19-26, 2010 (to download the delegation information flyer, click here). Together, we will walk in the footsteps of many of the martyrs of this tiny and prophetic land, and reflect on how many lives have influenced us, and continue to call us in new directions.

We will also visit Salvadoran communities and learn how lives continue to be lost in the struggle for justice, such as the case of the recent assassinations of anti-mining activists.

Together with Lisa Sullivan, Coordinator of SOA Watch Partnership Latin America, we will meet with government leaders of El Salvador to ask that they consider joining other countries in withdrawing their troops from the School of the Americas (SOA/ WHINSEC).

This is a special benefit delegation. All proceeds will go to facilitating the participation of our Latin American partners at the "South-North Encuentro", scheduled to take place in Venezuela this June. This special SOA Watch gathering will bring together peace activists from South, Central and North America to work together to close the School of the Americas and open new doors of just relationships.

In order to facilitate quality sharing, this delegation will be limited to a small size. If you are interested, I invite you to fill out an application, and return it by February 15 to Lisa Sullivan at LSullivan@soaw.org. Click here to download the application form. Lisa is also available to answer any questions you may have about the delegation.

In Solidarity,

Father Roy Bourgeois, SOA Watch