... the Municipal Council does hereby support the naming of the north wall of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Building at Pershing Field in the name of David Cline, a Veteran, Father, Fighter and Hero.

Medal "For Peace and Friendship Among Nations"

was awarded to David Cline by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Association, September 10, 2007.

 
Vietnam Veterans Building at Pershing Field in Jersey City
and the November 12 Commemoration of David Cline...

Gladys with the Medal "For Peace and Friendship Among Nations" from Vietnam,
and the City of Jersey City's Resolution

OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
CITY OF JERSEY CITY
NEW JERSEY

RESOLUTION

Commemorating the Life and Deeds of
DAVE CLINE: VETERAN, FATHER, FIGHTER, HERO

Council as a whole, offered and moved adoption of the following:

WHEREAS, David Cline was born and raised in Buffalo, New York and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967 at the age of twenty. He served as a rifleman (11B20) with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam. During his tour of duty, he was wounded three times and was awarded three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star for bravery, the Combat Infantryman Badge and other military medals. His was determined 100% disabled from his wounds; and

WHEREAS, shortly after his return to the U.S., David Cline joined the GI antiwar movement while still on active duty. He produced an underground paper, Fatigue Press, at Ford Hood, Texas for GIs about political, psychological and medical issues faced by veterans. He also helped establish Oleo Strut coffeehouse next to Fort Hood where veterans could freely question the war; and

WHEREAS, David Cline dedicated his life to waging peace and opposing war. Over the past 40 years he was involved in many efforts for peace, justice and healing including: the continuing campaign for Agent Orange victims in the U.S. and Vietnam, working for an end to the US Navy's bombing of Vieques, Puerto Rico, assisting homeless veterans through Stand Down operations, prompting reconciliation and friendship with the people of Vietnam, helping people recover from war trauma (PTSD) and substance abuse, educating young people about war and military service and opposing U.S. military interventions in Central America and the Middle East; and

WHEREAS, David Cline served as president of Veterans For Peace. His recognition of VFP's role as a place for veterans of all eras to work for peace and the need for a blending of anti-war veterans and military families in the national debate has led to an unprecedented number of veterans and military families working together to oppose a war in U.S. history. Today this alliance is a cornerstone of domestic opposition to the U.S. occupation of Iraq. Cline was also a key figure in the creation and guidance of Iraq Veterans Against the War, named to honor and follow the tradition of Vietnam Veterans Against the War.

WHEREAS, on Saturday, September 15, 2007, David Cline departed this life at the age of 60. He is survived by his life partner Gladys Simer and her daughter Sabrina, his daughter Ellen Gregory and her son Jacob, his son Daniel, his father and mother Donald and Ruth Cline, his brothers Steven and Bruce and his sister Linda.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Municipal Council of the City of New Jersey City deems it a fitting and proper tribute to commemorate the life and deeds of David Cline.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Municipal Council does hereby support the naming of the north wall of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Building at Pershing Field in the name of David Cline, a Veteran, Father, Fighter and Hero.

Attest:

Peter M. Brenan, Councilperson
Willie Flood, Councilperson
Michael Sottolano, Councilperson
Mary Spinello, Councilperson
Steve Lipski, Councilperson
William A. Gaughan, Councilperson
Steven Fulop, Councilperson
Viola Richardson, Councilperson