Peace Demonstration No. 256, 2/2/11

 "Thank you guys for being out here," said a 30 ish woman from her small white sedan. "I've seen you out here for years. It's wonderful that you give your time to such a worthwhile cause. It means a lot to to me and I know it means a lot to others."

This was one of several messages of support John Fortier and I received during a vigil that started slowly in public response but picked up so much momentum, we extended the vigil an extra 13 minutes to accommodate everyone. In addition to the comments, there were many horn honks and waves and two finger peace signs.

The vigil was joined by the 50 ish couple who often participate and briefly by a 53 year old Englishman who sometimes does and by a 58 year old Slovakian man who stopped by to offer his kind words of support.

"Thank you," said a 60 ish woman walking her dogs. "Thank you for doing that."

"You guys are doing a great job," said a 40 ish man, an 18 year Air Force veteran, wearing green camouflage fatigues, from his green gray SUV, as he reached across the passenger seat to shake my hand and he waved at John. He then smiled warmly and added, "you guys take care," as he drove off.

"Thank you for doing that," said a 25 ish woman enthusiastically as her smile lit up the night. "We drove around the block so we could come back and tell you that," she said in reference to her 30 ish sister or friend driving the white SUV. "My boyfriend is in the Marine Corps. He's at Ft. Benning in Georgia. They are going to send him to Afghanistan in May."

As she spoke her enthusiasm and her big smile never left her face, as she then talked about his special training and something about his "wings." This is unusual for family or friends that have a loved one being deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan are almost always nervous about it.

Although we didn't question this, the driver added with confidence ringing in her voice, "Yes he will come home safely," as if there is no other option.

The two ladies thanked us again and we expressed our appreciation for them caring not only for the boyfriend but for everyone involved in these wars. "We care very much and appreciate you both doing this," replied the driver, as they smiled and waved goodbye to us.

It was a nice way to end the vigil and to me very touching to see how this vigil is affecting some of the people who witness it, or who from a distance light candles in support of it or like you dear reader, care enough to read about it. But it also reaches people who don't visibly express themselves in ways we can measure nor do we know how it will affect them.

Dick