Cindy Sheehan is an American political activist and anti-war protester who rose to prominence in 2005 after the death of her son, Casey Sheehan, in Iraq. Sheehan became a leader in the anti-war movement, and has since become known for her work advocating for peace, social justice, and human rights.
Sheehan was born in California in 1957. She was raised in a working-class Catholic family and was the eldest of seven children. She attended UC Berkeley and graduated with a BA in sociology in 1979. She married Patrick Sheehan in 1979 and the couple had three children: Casey, Andy, and Carly.
In 2003, Sheehan's son, Casey, enlisted in the United States Army. In 2004, he was deployed to Iraq and was killed in an ambush in Sadr City in April of 2005. After his death, Sheehan became an anti-war activist and was determined to bring her son's killers to justice. Sheehan began speaking at rallies and protests and soon became the face of the anti-war movement.
In the summer of 2005, Sheehan set up camp outside of President Bush's Crawford, Texas ranch and began a lengthy hunger strike. Sheehan's protest garnered national attention and her story was featured in the media. Sheehan also traveled to Iraq and spoke with Iraqi civilians who had been affected by the war.
Sheehan has since become an outspoken opponent of war and has been a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights. She has written several books, including Not One More Mother's Child, Dear President Bush, and Peace Mom. She has also appeared in numerous documentaries and films about the war and anti-war movement.
Sheehan continues to be a leader in the anti-war movement and an advocate for peace. She travels the world speaking about her experiences and advocating for an end to war and violence. Sheehan is an inspiring spokesperson for peace and social justice and her work has had a lasting impact on many lives.
