Daniel Ellsberg died on June 16, 2023 at the age of 92. He was a great hero and a great friend to me. He did more good with his life than anyone I have ever known.
On Sunday, October 22, 2023 his family and close friends put on a public memorial. It was a wonderful ceremony. You can watch it here. (It is long, 3 hours, make sure you hear the most special last speaker).
I first met Daniel Ellsberg briefly at a rally in 1971. It was nothing more than a handshake, and I was already in awe of his bravery for what he had done by risking life in prison to tell the American people what they didn’t know about the history of the Vietnam War. I attended several rallies during the two years before and during his trial on myriad of charges including violation of the Espionage Act.
On May 11, 1973, I read the news that a judge had dismissed all charges against Dan because of the gross governmental misconduct and illegal evidence gathering against Dan, as well as the Watergate “plumbers” breaking into and stealing records from Dan’s psychiatrist. I cried for joy.
Over the years, I watch Dan continue his fight against war. In 1979, I had the honor to actually meet him (beyond the handshake) when he spoke at an anti-draft-registration event I was organizing. Twenty years later, when was at the start of my career as director of Antiwar.com, we became friends.
Dan and I spoke frequently and became closer. He never ceased to amaze me. His insights of people and the world always brilliant. I invited him to come to Malaysia with me to speak at an international peace conference. It was such an honor and delight to spend so much time with him.
Dan helped with advice and public support for the growth of Antiwar.com. He was always there for me, and more importantly, for the world. Dan dedicated his life to love, and trying to save the planet from nuclear annihilation. I have never known someone filled with so much true love for humanity.
I will always love Dan. I am sad that he is gone, but glad that he had such a wonderful life and changed the world (and me) for the better.
Read Dan’s final public message.
The war machine of the U.S. of A., the “white house on the hill”, will consign Daniel to the dustbin of history.