John Spitzberg, an 87-year-old veteran, found himself at the center of a heated protest at the U.S. Capitol on June 13. He was arrested during a demonstration against the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary parade, which coincided with President Trump’s 79th birthday. The event drew attention not just for its celebration of military history, but also for the protests that erupted in response.
Spitzberg, wearing glasses and a baseball cap, held a sign that read "Support our Veterans" as he joined fellow veterans in marching at the National Mall. The protest aimed to voice opposition to what many saw as the unnecessary militarization of the celebration. As tensions escalated, Spitzberg crossed a police line to assist fellow veterans who were being forcefully handled by officers. He expressed that he could not stand by while others were being mistreated.
During the protest, Capitol Police arrested around 60 individuals, including Spitzberg, for crossing the police line and participating in an unlawful demonstration. Officers used zip ties to restrain him, despite his unsteady condition due to several disabilities. As he was taken away, the crowd reacted with a mix of cheers and boos, chanting against the police actions.
Spitzberg spent about 12 hours in custody before being released. Upon returning to his care home in Florida, he received a warm welcome from residents who were worried about him. He reflected on the experience, stating he plans to continue advocating for veterans and standing up for what he believes is right, despite his health challenges.
The protest was organized by anti-war groups like Veterans for Peace and About Face: Veterans Against the War. They criticized the military parade as a waste of resources and a politicization of the armed forces. Spitzberg echoed these sentiments, calling the parade a "colossal slap in the face of the American people" and likening Trump’s behavior to that of a king.
Spitzberg’s history of activism includes past protests, such as those at Occupy Wall Street in 2011 and Standing Rock in 2016. He has dedicated much of his life to supporting various causes, including helping Ukrainian refugees and addressing the needs of those affected by Agent Orange during his time in Vietnam.
As he looks to the future, Spitzberg is determined to remain active in his advocacy work. He believes that even at his age, every voice counts, and he is ready to stand alongside younger activists in the fight for justice.