Veterans for Peace speaker urges ban on depleted uranium weapons, cites health risks

Will Miller, a representative of Veterans for Peace, told the crowd at City Hall Park that depleted uranium (DU) munitions are a public-health threat and urged political action.

"DU or depleted uranium is nuclear waste turned by defense contractors in the Pentagon into armor-piercing and bunker busting ammunition," Miller said, arguing that DU produces fine particulate contamination when used in weapons. He cited past conflicts while describing DU's hazards, saying "in the first Gulf War, 370 tons of depleted uranium were used," and asserting that inhalation or ingestion of resultant dust can be deadly over long time frames. Miller also said DU was tested locally by defense contractors at the Ethan Allen firing range in Underhill and urged attendees to press the congressional delegation for an immediate ban on production, sale and use of such weapons.

Miller linked his health concerns to veterans' advocacy: he said veterans' groups can speak on behalf of family members who fear retaliation if they speak publicly. He framed the issue as part of a broader critique of Pentagon language and policy and recommended petitioning elected officials and supporting Vermont Military Families Speak Out and related groups. The speaker's claims rely on contested health and exposure studies cited in his remarks; the rally record does not include a scientific report or an official agency finding attached to his presentation.

Organizers scheduled a march after the speeches and asked attendees to sign petitions to support congressional outreach on the issue. No formal resolution or municipal action on DU was proposed during the rally.