President Obama will speak at commencement for the US Military Academy at West Point on Wednesday May 28.
Anti-war protesters displaying model drones and photos of known victims of the US military and secret CIA targeted assignation program will greet family and friends of the graduates as they enter West Point gates at 7 am. The protest will extend to 9:30 am; graduation ceremonies begin at 10:00 am.
The protest has special meaning for those in the US Army because the MQ-1C Gray Eagle drone, a more deadly version of the infamous Predator drone, is being integrated into use in every Army division.
Gray Eagles are now being used in Afghanistan, where the United States is conducting intensive drone attacks in anticipation of a reduction of US ground forces.
KnowDrones.com estimates that at least 5,000 people have been killed by US drones in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia and the Philippines since drone attacks began in 2001. In addition, thousands of people live in terror from continuing drone surveillance because of the knowledge that missile attacks may come at any time.
The protest is sponsored by KnowDrones.com, World Can’t Wait, WESPAC Foundation and Code Pink.