We Fight On D-Day
The World War II Allies’ Operation Overlord campaign hit the beaches of Normandy on D-Day 81 years ago. The mission: defeat Hitler and the Nazis and end fascist rule in Europe. It was a fight those troops knew they could not afford to lose – a fight for the Free World.
On this June 6th, we honor the fighting spirit of those who sacrificed so much on Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword beaches. Only this time, D-Day is on our own shores, fighting for Veterans.
Operation Overlord 2.0
That is the name of our mass mobilization campaign this D-Day. Our mission is clear: we must defend the rights and benefits of veterans and active duty servicemembers who gave so much in defense of our country. We expect this to be the largest mobilization of veterans and their allies in the history of this country. And for good reason.
Since Inauguration Day, this Administration and Congress have declared war on our veterans and dedicated active duty servicemembers. In response, 50501 Veterans, along with The Unite for Veterans Coalition and American Opposition, issued a call for a nationwide mass mobilization on D-Day.
As part of this National Day of Action, peaceful rallies will be held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., at State Capitols, and in cities and towns across the nation.
If you want to organize your own local Day of Action, provide your contact info on our website and the 50501 Veterans Protest Organizing Team will reach out to help you get started.
What’s at Stake
America made a promise to its veterans. It's a promise we intend to keep.
Today, we ask veterans, military families, and their allies to enlist in Operation Overlord 2.0 to defend the benefits, jobs, and dignity that every generation of veterans has earned through their sacrifices.
Veterans and military family members are being fired by the thousands from federal jobs. Our healthcare is being gutted. Transgender Active Duty troops are being forced out of the service. Immigrant veterans who served our nation are being deported without due process. Our benefits are under siege.
This isn't the first time veterans have had to fight for what was promised. From the Bonus Army of 1932 to the battles for the GI Bill and Agent Orange care, veterans always lead the charge for justice.
Why We Fight
Now, it's our turn. This is what we fight for:
Reverse cuts to the Veterans Administration and rehire fired employees – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plans to cut 83,000, gouging more than 17% positions from the federal agency responsible for providing health care for millions of veterans.
Honor our commitment to take care of Veterans – As of March, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) accounts for 90% of the VA’s 482,000 workers, so these cutbacks will significantly impact the quality of health care available through the VA to veterans. This comes after the number of veterans enrolled in the VA increased by 400,000 – a 30 percent jump – to treat veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards in the military covered under the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.
Support Veterans in crisis – At a time when there is an average of 17.6 veteran suicides per day, the VA is slashing workers at the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL), which fields 60,000 calls a month.
Restore the VASP program for Veteran homeowners – The VA dramatically increased the risk of foreclosure for tens of thousands of veterans and their families when it abruptly closed the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) program in May. VASP was the only VA mortgage assistance option available to help veterans obtain an affordable payment when they were delinquent on their mortgage.
Stop the drain of military sexual assault counselors – The Pentagon delayed plans to hire 1,000 more civilians to prevent sexual assault, suicides and behavior problems in the military. An additional 300 positions on the USAJobs website are on hold. Meanwhile, half of sexual assault response coordinators and victim advocates report burnout, along with 74 percent of victims’ counsels.
Overturn the ban on transgender service members – In an emergency ruling, the Supreme Court allowed the Department of Defense to separate transgender people who are serving on active duty, in the Reserves or in the National Guard. The Pentagon will no longer allow transgender Americans to join any branch of the military. We demand a stop to these forced separations from service and to ensure full healthcare access for trans veterans and active duty servicemembers.
Restore protections for DEIA – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) programs at the VA, the Department of Defense and across the Federal Government are being eviscerated. DEIA is a strength, not some imagined “woke” weakness.
Protect democracy and defend the Constitution – Restore diplomatic norms and maintain strong alliances with global democratic leadership who have helped keep our world secure since World War II. The flagship Unite for Veterans, Unite for America event at the National Mall will feature veteran speakers, notable celebrity supporters and a rocking performance by Dropkick Murphys, the American Celtic punk band from Boston.
A few local 50501 Veterans are setting up group transportation from their states to DC for the protest. We will provide more details through the blog when those arrangements are finalized. Please show your support on D-Day – either on the National Mall, at your State Capitol, on the steps of your local city halls and town halls, or just on your local street corner.
Just as on D-Day 81 years ago, this is a fight we cannot afford to lose.