Our own Pam Young made it to two important events this summer. I heard unofficial accounts that over 800 people from 21 countries attended Summerfest over the course of the week! Here are Pam's experiences.

The March for the Animals and Vegetarian Summerfest
Pamela Young

It was my pleasure to be able to attend the March for the Animals on June 23rd in Washington, D.C. I went on the bus that the N.C. Network for Animals sponsored [editor's note - and that Leslie Mann organized - thanks, Leslie!], and that we nearly filled - there were 47 riders! Fellow TVSer Surabhi Shah was also on the bus. Many of us brought signs to display at the March. During the ride, we read summer issues of The Animals' Agenda Animal Rights Handbook 1996 with a great article by TVSer Dietrich von Haugwitz, enjoyed great vegan food, and watched the video of the first March in 1990 organized by Tom Regan.

When we arrived on the Ellipse across the street from the White House, we gathered our signs, took pictures, and organized under the Network for Animals banner. The weather was sunny, and thousands were arriving. We saw Dietrich, Jen Brown with her videocamera, and Tom and Nancy Regan. Imagine thousands of animal activists from across the country marching down Constitution Avenue to the steps of the Capitol! The March was a powerful statement of support for animal groups and better treatment for animals.

After marching, the crowds listened to the inspiring and eloquent speakers at the U.S. Capitol. It was great to hear Tom Regan, as well as many others such as Howard Lyman, Paul Watson, Cleveland Amory, Rue McClanahan, Tippi Hedren, Rev. Linzey, and Michael Klaper. I'd be glad to share my program with those who want to see all the details. Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders brought us to our feet with her pro-animal music. At the end, Ingrid Newkirk from PETA gave a heartfelt plea to do what we could to save animals from cruelty. I left inspired to continue my own vegan lifestyle and work for the animals. Thanks to all who cared to speak out and be a "voice for the voiceless".

I also attended the Vegetarian Summerfest '96-A World Vegetarian Congress July 29-August 4 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The theme was "global neighbors gathering for humanity, animals, and the earth". I was invited to teach ages 2-12 in the Children's Center, and I represented TVS as a delegate.

I had time to attend many of the speeches at the plenary sessions, including from officials of the North American Vegetarian Society and International Vegetarian Union (IVU), doctors (like Michael Klaper, Neal Barnard, and Charles Atwood), nutritionists and dietitions (such as George Eisman and Jennifer Raymond), and animal rights activists (such as Gary Francione and Rae Sikora). Rynn Berry spoke about the influential vegetarian life of the poet Percy Shelley, and the historical background of vegetarianism in America. All of the talks were fascinating! Former cattle rancher turned vegan activist Howard Lyman was also elected president of the IVU.

The food, all vegan, was excellent! We had delicious baked breads and whole grain with fruit muffins, veggie burgers, tofu croquettes, curry, sweet and sour tempeh, hearty soups, a fruit and a salad bar, and luscious desserts like Orange and Tropical soft "ice cream" Fruitage, carob brownies, and truly yummy cookies.

We had fun evening events, such as a silent night hike through the woods, a telescope star-gazing session, and a concert by an eco-folk musician. Other activities I enjoyed were meeting old friends, swimming and water basketball, seeing a filmfest, and driving through the mountains to see the scenery from high up above. I made a number of new friends, and was delighted to see and spend time with a number of TVSers - Jen Brown, Ram and Amy Athavale, and Valerie Copeland. I found the sense of community rejuvenating and revolutionary, being able to share with vegetarians from all over the country and world! I'd love to go next year!