Fallen soldier’s mother makes tour

Cindy Sheehan, the mother of U.S. soldier Casey Sheehan, who was killed in Iraq, and… Cindy Sheehan, the mother of U.S. soldier Casey Sheehan, who was killed in Iraq, and prominent leader of the “Bring Them Home Now” tour, visited Pittsburgh as part of the “Camp Neil” Memorial and Rally Sunday.

Sheehan continued her message of peace and her strong desire to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq, a message that she began sending last month while camped outside of President Bush’s ranch in Crawford, Texas.

Sheehan spoke about her 26-day encampment in Texas and the movement it ignited.

“We have to force our leaders to listen to us,” she said, adding that she wants to hold the current Bush administration accountable.

“We’re not gonna stop until we have that accountability moment,” she said, referring to her demands that the administration admit fault.

Sheehan gained immense attention and support from people all over the country when she spent Aug. 6 through Aug. 31 camped outside of the president’s ranch and waited for a chance to talk to him.

“Over 700 people came on Thursday of that first week,” she said. “It was the first time since my son was killed that I saw true joy in my heart.”

Sheehan’s speech culminated an afternoon of performances and speeches from various activists and peace organizations.

Sheehan is a member of Gold Star Families for Peace, and she also helps to lead the “Bring Them Home Now” tour. The tour started in Crawford, Texas, and is set to end in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 24.