“We Are Not Your Soldiers”
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A presentation that will challenge our first-year students to think critically about military service and the collateral price.
In the era of militarization of our cities and our everyday lives, we welcome back John Burns, a veteran who tours high schools and colleges with the organization of veteran-activists “World Can’t Wait.”
John educates young people about the effect of basic training, military service, and what it means to think critically about your own humanity and the humanity of the other person.
This event is sponsored by First Year Seminar and College of Professional and Continuing Studies (CPCS).
About the Speaker
John Burns
John Burns conducts school visits to provide students and young adults with the information they need to make well-informed decisions. He notes that young people are often exposed to only one perspective, with media and entertainment frequently glorifying war, which he believes does a disservice to the people of the United States. These speaking tours also serve as a form of personal therapy for him, reflecting the profound impact military service can have on an individual. He emphasizes that he does not hate the military, but rather objects to how it is sometimes used, and his love for his country comes from his perspective as a Haudenosaunee Native American, whose ancestors were historically harmed by the very institution in which he served.
Burns served in the Army (active duty) from 2007 to 2009, initially in Explosive Ordnance Disposal and later in Military Intelligence. He describes basic training and subsequent experiences as stark reminders that popular portrayals of war in movies, games, and news often do not reflect reality. Through these speaking tours, he aims to provide students with an opportunity to ask questions and develop critical thinking skills. He approaches discussions without telling anyone what to believe, presenting facts, evidence, and sometimes his perspective, allowing students to form their own conclusions. The primary goal of the program is education and fostering informed, thoughtful dialogue.
- Read excerpts from student papers following John’s visit to their class
- Read some letters to John after he visited a class
- Watch excerpts from a visit by John to a high school class
- Watch an excerpt from a presentation by John in this video of several We Are Not Your Soldiers speakers in Fall 2024
- Read an article about John’s presentation to college students and see two short videos of his talk in Spring 2025