We stand here today united as vegans

We are not asking society to improve the welfare of all those animals confined or trapped in industrial animal factories, laboratories, circuses, zoos, aquariums, but to free them.

We are appealing to our fellow humans to extend the mantel of social justice, freedom, and equality to include all sentient beings.

Animals are not our property, they are not our slaves. Animals are not raw materials for our personal desires or to use at call for our own ends. Animals are individuals, just like we are.

We stand here today to encourage our fellow humans to broaden their circle of compassion by publicly acknowledging these animals and putting a face to them and the relentless suffering they must endure.

We would like people to reflect on any harmful choices they may make.

…

We stand here today united as vegans. Vegans choose not to use any animal products in order to extend justice and equality to all sentient beings who share this planet with us.

We are not better or worse than anyone else, but we share a deep and abiding belief that all life deserves respect, dignity, and personal freedom.
~ Patty Mark (October 1, 2013)