SALEM, Mass. - Congressman John F. Tierney told a large gathering in Veteran's Hall Monday that Americans can voice their opposition to the War in Iraq while still supporting the troops.

"That's a distinction that wasn't made clearly during the Vietnam War," Tierney told a crowd of over 200 at the 21st annual Human Rights Convocation. "There was an anti-war sentiment in this country in the 60s and the Vietnam veterans paid the price for that. However, today you can voice your opposition to our country's war policy while still showing your support for the men and women answering their call to duty. That's your right as an American. [View full text of Congressman Tierney's remarks]

The theme of this year's convocation was "National Security and Civil Liberties: The Impact of 9/11 on Arab and Muslim Immigrants and Citizens." Guest panelists were Omar H. Ali, a Boston-based immigration attorney and member of the Islamic Society of Boston, Eva A. Millona, an immigration/naturalization policy director for the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, and Dr. Assem Badawy, professor of geological sciences at Salem State College.

According to Robert McAndrews, associate professor, School of Social Work, and organizer of the event, "The horrific attacks of September 11, 2001 have had profound effects throughout our society. Our political leaders have been faced with unprecedented challenges in their efforts to protect the public from future terrorist attacks, while at the same time ensuring that the values and principles of a free and open society that treasures its diversity are preserved.

The event was co-sponsored by the Office of the President, Human Resources and Equal Opportunity, Center for International Education and the Peace Institute.