Anti-War Activist Sheehan in Springfield Thursday

Cindy Sheehan, the mother of a soldier killed in the war in Iraq, comes to Springfield Thursday to take part in a panel discussion about Democracy and Dissent in America at Drury University.

Sheehan has become a public figure, igniting anti-war activists around the country, with her protests in Washington and around the nation.

Sheehan's son, Army Spc. Casey Sheehan, was killed in April, 2004.   Shortly after, she co-founded the group, Gold Star Families for Peace.

She gained notoriety by setting up camp near President Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas a couple of times each year, to protest the on-going involvement of the U.S. in Iraq.

Along with Sheehan, Colonel Michael J. Meese, the head of the department of social sciences at West Point, will speak about the role of civilians during time of war, and the consequences of dissent for troop morale.

The panel discussion begins at 9:30am in Weiser Gymnasium on the Drury campus. A question and answer session will follow the panel.

The public is invited to attend the free event, however tickets are required.  There is a maximum of two tickets per person.  Tickets may be picked up at the Weiser Gym ticket office in advance.  Seating is first come, first served, with doors open at 8:45 am.

Because of safety concerns, backpacks and large bags will not be allowed, and protests will be limited to the sidewalks on Summit Street between Webster and Central.