Download a PDF version of this FAQ.

What is the history of Winter Soldier?

In 1776, Thomas Paine wrote: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” In 1971, a courageous group of veterans exposed the criminal nature of the Vietnam War in an event called Winter Soldier. Once again, we will demand that the voices of veterans are heard.

What will happen?

Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan will feature testimony from U.S. veterans who served in those occupations, giving an accurate account of what is really happening day in and day out, on the ground.

Why is IVAW doing this?

We are fighting for the soul of our country. We will demonstrate our patriotism by speaking out with honor and integrity instead of blindly following failed policy. Winter Soldier is a difficult but essential service to our country.

When is Winter Soldier?

March 13 evening - March 16 afternoon

Where is it happening?

Silver Spring, MD (DC area)

Who will be testifying?

IVAW members who served in Iraq or Afghanistan will be testifying.

Is Winter Soldier open to the public?

Attendance at Winter Soldier: Iraq & Afghanistan is not open to the general public because of limited space at the event site. Members of Iraq Veterans Against the War, Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Military Families Speak Out, and Gold Star Families Speak Out will attend the panels at Winter Soldier.

To bring the testimonies to the general public and GIs all over the world we have made it possible to watch the live broadcasts online and on television, and to listen online and the radio. You can find out more about how to watch or listen here. To find a local Winter Soldier screening event or to submit a screening event go to our events map.

The event will be covered by various media outlets. To find out more about how registering as a journalist go to our media page or email media [at] ivaw [dot] org.

How can I help make Winter Soldier a success?

How can I help make Winter Soldier a success?

Many allies are supporting Winter Soldier by organizing fundraisers to help pay for IVAW members to get to Winter Soldier. We are also telling groups to raise awareness by showing Winter Soldier and by telling their friends about it. You can also put the Winter Soldier banner on your website or blog. Check out the How to help page.

Who is invited?

All IVAW members are invited. Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Veterans for Peace and Military Families Speak Out members will also be present. (They can register with those organizations.) Because of space constraints, the event is not open to the public.

How can I watch Winter Soldier?

We are providing live access to Winter Soldier via the web, satellite TV and radio. Find out how to watch.

You can help IVAW spread these eyewitness accounts across the country and the world by organizing a viewing event. Some local television and radio stations will pick up the broadcasts, and the entire weekend of panels will be shown live and archived online at the IVAW website (ivaw.org). Any location with a broadband internet connection and a projector can be set up for public viewing of the broadcasts, and for higher quality video, the event will be broadcast by satellite on March 14th and 15th.

Let us and your neighbors know about your plans. Winter Soldier viewing events can be posted on our events map. We have also compiled some resources that may be useful at your events. Please feel download and share.

If you have questions about how to set up an event, please email wintersoldierally [at] ivaw [dot] org.

What if my question was not answered here?

Please contact the Ally Committee at wintersoldierally [at] ivaw [dot] org if you have any additional questions or ideas.