Beale AFB Monthly Vigil Protesting Militarism and Imperialism

Dear VFP members and chapters,

On February 25, 2026, we mark two years since U.S. Air Force Airman Aaron Bushnell self-immolated in an act of protest meant to awaken the conscience of this country to the human cost of war. In his final statement, Aaron said:

“My name is Aaron Bushnell, and I am an active duty member of the United States Air Force. I will no longer be complicit in genocide. I’m about to engage in an extreme act of protest but, compared to what people have been experiencing in Palestine at the hands of their colonizers, it’s not extreme at all. This is what our ruling class has decided will be normal.”

To honor Aaron’s life and sacrifice, we invite every chapter and local peace community to organize a vigil or memorial event either on Wednesday, Feb. 25 or the weekend prior (Feb. 21–22).

We ask that you record a short video clip of your event — including a reading of Aaron’s final words if possible — and send it ASAP to Joy Metzler at jmetbell3@proton.me so we can compile a national tribute for social media. 

If you are able, we encourage chapters to incorporate red poppies as a visual symbol of remembrance and solidarity.

The red poppy is the Palestinian national flower, a symbol of the martyrs whose lives have been lost and which carries deep meaning for all people who remember the human cost of war.

In your messaging, we encourage you to uplift this essential truth: Aaron chose his act in solidarity with Palestine. The Palestinian people enduring violence and loss do not have that choice. Honoring Aaron means honoring the lives and dignity of those he stood for, and renewing our commitment to peace at home and peace abroad, and to the justice that makes lasting peace possible.

Thank you for helping build a collective remembrance worthy of Aaron’s courage. We look forward to seeing your actions and standing together in solidarity.

In peace and solidarity,
Veterans For Peace National Office