|
Anthony Wagner pictured with high school youth while on the |
It is heart breaking when we lose someone who tried to change the world for the better, for all humanity. In his short time Anthony Wagner, World Can’t Wait activist and Iraq Veteran Against the War (served in Iraq March 2004-March 2005), tried to do just that. It is with profound sorrow that we of the Chicago World Can’t Wait chapter share that Anthony has died. He was truly another casualty of these murderous wars. And though our hearts ache at the loss of him, we can say with much joy and appreciation that Anthony touched not only our lives, but the lives of many youth who, because of him, did not and will not go and kill and die in U.S. wars and occupations.{jathumnail off}
Anthony toured with We Are Not Your Soldiers, a project of World Can’t Wait, speaking in high school and college classrooms to share the horrendous realities of these wars and occupations – through all the pain – and to call on youth to actively resist recruitment. Anthony was an eloquent speaker, with great heart and humor, and his was a voice that many youth could hear because he dared to share the truth of his experience in the Iraq war, and he dared to say that no one should have to kill and die for U.S. empire. He was a talented young man who studied at Columbia College in Chicago and was a film maker. He and his younger brother owned Wagner Brothers Media. Anthony was much loved and loved much. Humanity has lost an intelligent, creative, sharp-witted, and loving soul. We will miss you, Anthony, and we honor you as a truth-seeker and a truth-teller.
Tony was truly one of 3 friends I have. He was a brother, and I will carry on his legacy. One thing I didn’t get to do was speak as his service. In short, I know what Tony stood for and understand. There was a lot said about the war machine, but none of us really wanted to be there. I just wanted to emphasize, if all we were there for was each other, that is all we needed. A closer bond amongst men is not possible. Did we wish it on each other. Hell no. But it was what it was, and me and Wagnuts had each others back. Not only Army related, but so many other things. Car rides, housing arrangements, money, a smile, some laughter, a good fight here and there…… You name, we probably went through it. Tony, I love you bro, never far from my heart and mind. Will be thinking about you daily, and will do my best to spread your laughter. Hey Wags….this is Jonesy, signing out..
Today, for Veterans Day – Occupy Chicago is holding a We Are Not Your Soldiers Teach-in in honor of Anthony Wagner. Details here: http://occupychi.org/2011/11/09/111111-occupy-chicago-stands-anti-war-vets-veterans-day
“It was obvious that he was a man who marched through life to the rhythms of some drum I would never hear.”
-Hunter S. Thompson
You are in our hearts forever Wags
So sorry to hear of his passing. I first met Anthony @ an Anniversary event to end the wars in Fayetteville NC. I ran into him again back in March of this year in DC. Such an upbeat and energetic guy. He’ll be missed.
It is always sad to lose a young person. I am thankful for his work for peace through WCW. I hope his work lives on in the lives he touched.
Thank you for writing such a moving piece about Anthony. I am moved to tears by your words. I am so proud of what he stood for and tried to do for so many people. He will be missed every moment of every day.
Anthony was my friend, and my Soldier during his 1st Tour in Iraq. I am saddened by his loss. He was a patriot, and an all around great person at heart. I have many fond memories of our time spent together while out on patrol in Baghdad. I am still in a state of shock at his passing. I’ll be praying for his family and friends during this time mourning. Anthony will truely be missed.
Be at rest, dear brother. Thank you for what you taught us.