I want to introduce you all to a man by the name of Patrick Liteky. I met Patrick on the Atlanta to Oak Ridge Peace Pilgrimage this year. Patrick is 62 years old. He has been imprisoned before in his journey to bring peace to the world. He was convicted twice for actions he took at the Pentagon and the School of Americas. Patrick was on free on probation and had only 5 days to go before his probation was finished. During the protest Patrick had picked up one of the symbolic bodies that were lying on the ground on the path we were walking through to reach the main entrance to Y12 at the Oak Ridge complex. As we were standing at the barrier the Federal Authorities had erected Patrick suddenly and without warning stated that he was going to cross the Line. His fellow walkers hugged Patrick with tears streaming down their faces. One of the walkers pleaded with Patrick and tried to hold him back but to no avail. Patrick pulled himself over the barrier and began walking toward the federal authorities holding the body out before him. He tried to hand it to the person in charge but the person in charge flagged several of his officers forward to arrest Patrick. One of the officers took the body and the other put the hand cuffs on Patrick and led him away.

Of course this action alone took tremendous courage. Patrick had been there before and knew full well what to expect. During his prior imprisonment Patrick had suffered a stroke as well as a heart attack. He had been denied his medications, he had his front teeth knocked out and he had to suffer through weeks of what he called "diesel therapy". Diesel therapy is a hideous method of continually transporting prisoners from prison to prison constantly on the move to prevent them from causing trouble. This method of treatment denied Patrick any chance of having visitors and delayed his ability to receive mail.

During the walk it was obvious that Patrick had other health problems. He had problems with his back. I believe several vertebra were damaged. He needed surgery to try to correct this problem. It caused Patrick to have severe pain in one of his feet yet he tied on his shoes and walked and walked and walked without complaint. He could barely walk and this tall quiet man kept going until he could walk no more.

In his heart Patrick knew that this might be his final act. If they denied him his medicine again he may well die. Patrick knew this and yet this man, the noblest of the noble, crossed the line again to show us the way, to inspire us to continue to work for peace and justice, to give us the strength of character to take whatever blows that were given to us and continue our struggle for peace.

Patrick's arraignment has been set for August 9th. When I find out when and where he will be serving his time I will let you all know. I hope that you can all take a few minutes of your time and write Patrick a letter of support. In the mean time I would ask for your prayers for Patrick's well being.

I would also asked you to send this information to all your friends to inform them of this happening. Patrick will need all the support we can give him.

Blessed are the Peacemakers. With much love John.