Updated 05/23/2012 01:18 PM
Group Marks Birthday Of U.S. Army Private With Push To End Military Hazing
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Family, friends and supporters of U.S. Army private Danny Chen are marking what would have been his 20th birthday with a call for reforms to prevent military hazing.
The Chinatown native killed himself after allegedly being harassed by fellow soldiers in Afghanistan.
His supporters are traveling to Washington this morning to hand deliver thousands of letters to lawmakers and other officials raising awareness of hazing in the military.
"This has to stop. Too many people have been subjected to hazing. It impacts our national security. People don't want to join the army. It affects the morale of people who are treated this way and it has to stop. So, we're sending a long serious message," said one supporter.
The group hopes to urge Congress to pass anti-hazing legislation put forth by Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.