Moveon.org Vigil for Peace

TO HONOR THE DEADClarendon Central Park- Clarendon & N. Highland StWednesday, October 26th, 6:30 PMCome to a candlelight vigil in Clarendon Central Park to remember the2,000 American service members and others killed in Iraq. Gather at thefountain midway in the park, which is behind the Clarendon Orange Line.Bring candles, bring your friends and family. This will be a respectfulgathering.Location: Arlington, VA 22201Host: Kristine MontamatStatus: Public, open for RSVP, 92 Guests (Max 350)---------------------------------


I witnessed, at the Vigil to Honor the Dead, what I will term as disregard from many of people in the passing cars. People drove along in pursuit of their day-to-day lives. A few people slowed their vehicles,perhaps to get a good look at the signs or maybe with some caution, perchance they felt concern that someone mightaccidentally flow out from the vigil onto the street. I wondered how many knew what the vigil would be for: to bring troops home.
There were signs with various messages to the President, asking to bring soldiers home. The people at the vigil all respectedthat people had died, as one sign informed us 55 Virginian's thus far.

Rep. Moran paid his respects, in a dark suit with a worried face. He was shaking hands and engaging in quiet conversation. I was glad to see him. His office often sends letters to my home assuring me that Rep. Moran is glad to hear the voices of his constituents. I spoke with a couple who I was sure had lived through the SecondWorld War --you know, the one that was to end all wars, until the nextwar. They assured me that THIS TIME is DIFFERENT. They had never beforeexperienced a whole world asking one nation not to enter into battlewith one world leader disregarding all cries for peace.

Representative government: what does that mean, please help meunderstand. Who is being represented? Is there a time when young men andwomen who enter military service and answer the civic call to protectlife, liberty, and the pursuit of freedom can say to their governmentthat the request is just not appropriate? No, they depend on us, thoseof us who are in a position to ask HONEST QUESTIONS.As an American, I have the right to ask honest questions. I have theright to ask WHY and not be dismissed by other as being unpatriotic. It is my right to question authority: I am expected to do so with respect for dueprocess. I am expected to do so with courtesy.

When my honest questions are not respected, then what am I to do?We have invaded Iraq and we have shaken their earth with shock and awe:it is not a simple thing to leave without ensuring the devastation willbe taken care of, but how??I would appreciate thoughtful comments on how to promote transparencyand respect as the United States military is phased out of Iraq.

Inparticular, I ask for comments from people in the armed services whohave first hand experience with conditions in Iraq.Let’s open the floor to honest questions and reasonable suggestions.