Shannon Airshow - Can You Join Us in Opposing Shannon's Complicity in War

national | anti-war / imperialism | press release Saturday July 04, 2015 10:29 by shannonwatch shannonwatch at gmail dot com 087 8225087

Press Release - Shannonwatch, 2nd July 2015

Shannon Airport will host what they call an "air display extravaganza" on July 18th, to mark the 70th anniversary of the first commercial transatlantic flight at the airport. They say the airshow will provide a visual treat from leading aerobatics performers, parachutists, helicopters, jet fighters and stunt fliers.

While the airshow will glorify war by presenting jet fighters as entertainment, the official proceedings are unlikely to highlight the airport's complicity in war and human rights abuse over the last 15 years. Shannonwatch intend to correct that by organising a peace vigil to coincide with the airshow, and we are asking for your help. We urge as many supporters of peace can make it to Shannon to show their disagreement with US military abuse of Shannon Airport on July 18th.

The timing of the peace vigil will be flexible but we will aim for 2pm. It will probably be located before the entrance to the airport but more details will be provided closer to the day.

We realise that Saturdays are important family time for many people, but we should spare a thought for all those families throughout the Middle East who continue to suffer gross human rights abuses inflicted by all participants in the many conflicts now spreading throughout the region. Many of these conflicts were either initiated or partly caused by US led military interventions. And Shannon Airport has been used as an air base for these since 2001.

An estimated 40,000 people are expected at the airport for the airshow. Its important to remind them (peacefully of course) that Shannon's recent history is not something to be proud of. The airport's involvement in conflict and war should not be brushed aside or ignored. And it should not be allowed to continue.

Please email us at shannonwatch@gmail.com if you can join us on July 18th, or if you would like more information phone 087 8225087.