A “Counter-Inauguration: A People’s Platform and Speak Out to End the Iraq War,” a locally organized citizen’s event calling for attention and response from the Bush Administration to address issues critically affecting Americans, will be held Jan. 20, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Monument Circle. The event, in concert with similar events held locally in communities throughout America, coincides with Bush’s inauguration and has been organized to encourage President Bush to bring a rapid end to the Iraq War and thereby free resources needed by Americans.

The keynote speaker will be Marine Cpl. Andrew VanDenBergh, an Indiana combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and a member of Iraq Veterans Against The War. He will speak about his six-month tour of duty in Iraq at noon. Other speakers will address issues such as removing our troops from Iraq; upholding civil liberties specified in the U.S. Constitution; creating a viable Palestinian state; adopting a humane and enforceable immigration policy; and maintaining a habitable planet.

For more information on the event, which is sponsored by the Indianapolis Peace and Justice Center, call Cate Russo at 846-2714 or Jane Haldeman at 926-4318.