George Kovach, poet and founding editor of Consequence magazine, died April 12. He was 72. A Vietnam veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars for Valor, Kovach launched Consequence 12 years ago to focus "on the culture and consequences of war. He believed that a high standard of literature and the arts can advance the discourse a democracy needs to govern itself, and that the best writing and visual art, as well as translations of work from other countries that have known war, offer emotional as well as intellectual access to the experiences of victims, combatants, and witnesses. He worked continuously to advance the mission of the journal, publishing it annually, organizing panels, and leading writing groups for Veterans, all to promote a clearer and more nuanced understanding of what's at stake when a country chooses to wage war."
A collection of his poems, The Light Outside, was published by Arrowsmith Press last year.
On behalf of the editorial staff, Consequence editor Catherine Parnell wrote: "A poet and publisher, a kind and generous man, George walked through the world with compassion and empathy, and a strong need to speak to the culture and consequences of war. A Vietnam Veteran, George rarely spoke of his own experience, instead, he created a strong and vibrant platform for others."
In a tribute, author Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai observed that Kovach "worked tirelessly to promote peace. He founded and served for many years as the editor of CONSEQUENCE, the literary magazine addressing the culture and consequences of war.... I met George at the Vietnam-America literary conference in Hanoi back in 2010... Just in January this year, George told me how special the conference had been to him and that he had had our group picture framed and placed on his bookshelf.... Rest in Peace, George. You will live on in the love of your family and many, many friends, as well as in the legacy of your work, which we shall continue."