Veterans advocacy group calls on Ducey to remove Confederate statue

PHOENIX — Across the street from Arizona’s State Capitol, veterans gathered around a Confederate monument inside Wesley Bolin Plaza on Wednesday to demand its removal.

Against the backdrop of the George Floyd killing and nationwide protests against police brutality, VetsForward held a press conference demanding Gov. Doug Ducey remove the monument.

“Those of us who have served, that signed that blank check, won’t be used as props, we won’t let our voices be quieted,”  Signa Oliver of VetsFoward told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

Oliver is also a former U.S. Army JAG officer and former Phoenix Police Department officer.

Other veterans in attendance also shared their frustrations over elected officials using them as props but not listening to their voices.

VetsForward has begun collecting signatures for a letter they intend on sending to the governor in which signatories demand the monument’s removal.

The group also urged Ducey to call a special legislative session to address law enforcement reform in Arizona.

“Law enforcement officers are great servants of the city, but when the bad ones do bad things, they dishonor everyone that puts on the badge and uniform,” Oliver said.

Veterans surround the Confederate Monument in Wesley Bolin Plaza, demanding @dougducey to remove it. US Army Veteran and Veteran advocate, Corey Harris speaking at the podium calling for action. @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/Q6HUInjot0

— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) June 24, 2020

“Good cops don’t condone what bad cops do.”

The group intends on sending their letter to Ducey early next week.

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