Military

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) - With the U.S. military engaged in combat operations with Operation Iraqi Freedom, anti-war protests are occurring throughout Europe and the world.  

The following protest demonstrations are slated to occur within the U.S. European Command during the next few weeks. All American forces members and their families are reminded to be aware of their surroundings, and be vigilant in pro-active force protection measures, according to officials.

Known events include:

Wiesbaden, Germany - March 29 - An anti-war demonstration planned with approximately 1,500 people expected. No violence is expected.  

Wackerdorf, Germany - March 29 - An anti-war demonstration is planned.   Also, there will be a skinhead concert at the Kulturhaus from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m., German authorities expect approximately 300 "skinheads" to attend this concert. These events have been known to grow violent due to drug and alcohol use.

Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany - March 29 - The will be an anti-war demonstration held by Friedensnetz (Peace Net) outside of Patch Barracks main gate March 29, at 10 a.m. The theme of this rally is "Human Chain against the War". Organizers plan to have rally participants create a human chain around Patch Barracks causing a 10-minute blockade of the barracks. The rally is expected to be completed at approximately 11:55 a.m. Rally organizers expected the chain to start at Hauptstrasse and stretch through Bondorferweg, Buchrainfriedhof, Sallenwaldweg, Heizwerweg, Thalackerweg, Lauchhau and back to Hauptstrasse. Organizers will then move people back to Katzenbachstrasse in the vicinity of Oesterfeldschule for speeches and music. Organizers have requested parking for 20 buses at Buesnauerstrasse, and expect approximately 6,000 people to attend this rally. The rally is properly registered and approved by German authorities. This will be the first time rally organizers will hold a rally at Patch Barracks. Previous rallies have been held at Schlossplatz and downtown Stuttgart.

RAF Lakenheath, England - First Wednesday of every month 5-6 p.m. - The Lakenheath Action Group is calling for a demonstration the first Wednesday of every month at the main gate of Lakenheath in opposition against nuclear weapons. LAG is calling for a peaceful vigil against the war.

Volkel Air Base, Netherlands - 5-6 April - An anti-war demonstration will take place at Volkel AB. The group "War Resisters' International" is organizing this event.

Germany - 19-20 April -Easter weekend has been a prime date for German anti-war protestors since the 1960's. Easter weekend 2002 saw tens of thousands of Germans protesting, in more than 50 cities, across Germany.