"Horn honks and waves are nice," said John Fortier about last night's vigil, "But some of those people did everything short of getting out of their cars and hugging us."
That was how well last night's vigil went. Even before the vigil began and John was getting the sign, drivers in two cars saw the vigil being set up and honked their horns in support.
One of the high points of the peace demonstration happened as it began. A silver compact car pulled up and in the back seat, an eight year old boy waved at us, as did his 35 ish mother. During the red light, she explained the vigil to him, pointing and nodding her head for emphasis. When the light turned green, they both enthusiastically waved as she slowly pulled out.
This is important because it instills some understanding of what war is about in a child's mind from his parent and it casts an image he will likely remember of those who peacefully oppose it. It also encourages further family discussions about these subjects, hopefully leading the child when he becomes an adult to question the actions of his government and to be sensitive to what happens to others in a war.
At various points, the vigil was joined by a 64 year old Haitian man and after he left by a 50 ish couple, all of whom often participate.
At one stage, a bus driver slowed down so he would miss the signal. When the signal turned red, the driver pulled up, honked his horn in support and opened his doors. "I really admire what you guys are doing," he said with a big smile and warmth in his voice. "Keep it up."
He then reached out his right hand and I stepped into the bus and shook it. As I stepped back, John briefly stepped in. "It's great to see you out here," the driver added, as the light turned green and he waved and inched back into traffic.
A bit later, two 30 ish women in a white SUV stopped back from the signal, read the sign and took a picture of the vigil. Perhaps they will share it with others.
"I really appreciate what you guys are doing," said a 25 ish soldier in Army fatigues from his SUV. I walked out and shook his hand. "Have you been to Iraq or Afghanistan," I asked. "Yes sir," he replied, as the light turned green and I stepped back.
As the vigil came to a close, a 25 ish woman in a small white car stood up and out the driver side window. "Thank you for doing this," she shouted from the left lane. "My ex-boyfriend just got back from Iraq. He was shot but he survived.
"Our whole family is involved with the military," she continued. "My brother is in the Coast Guard and father was in Nam (Vietnam War). I considered joining the Army. Thank you and may God bless you." It was a wonderful way to conclude the vigil, her support still ringing in our ears.
Dick
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