Candlelight vigil in Iowa - just got back

(Cross-posted in the Iowa forum)

Women for Peace Iowa held a candlelight vigil in Cedar Rapids tonight, marking the 3rd anniversary of the war in Iraq. I was happy to see nearly 100 people with candles illuminating the span of the 1st Avenue bridge.

I was very pleased to see the Imam and many of his congregation there. The Imam helped hold my biggest banner, the one I made to mark the 2000th soldier's death. 6 feet long and 6 feet tall with 12 foot poles, it reads "Not one more death. Not one more doller. Bring them home now."

The children, in particular, were most interested in my signs, some of which are more than 3 years old now. Their favorites included "Bomb a child, create a terrorist", "Every mother's tears are the same", and "Peace also takes courage".

We had a young soldier who served in Iraq in attendance, and whose stories I found to be particularly poignant. I stayed and talked with him for a while after everyone else left. He did not blow his candle out as he walked away, across the bridge.

There were representatives from 3 news outlets present. I hope the coverage is positive; I have no idea what spin the media will put on the event.

Peace,

Maggie

it really was beautiful.

Someone subversive, by the way, put an Abu Ghraib-style hood over the 10-foot Statue of Liberty that looks over the Cedar River.

Good footage of the large group, but only a sound-byte from the president of Women for Peace Iowa; Wendy said that she feels our message is starting to resonate.

I'm glad for at least some coverage.