John Fortier, a Korean War veteran and retired school teacher has held a peace vigil each Friday in Redondo Beach, CA since just before President Bush ordered the invasion of Iraq in March, 2003. This is a summary of his latest vigil.
The vigil was joined by Robert, an early 30's man who used to regularly attend until last year when he moved away from the immediate area, by Jerry, a 63 ish man who stayed for several minutes, by Grant, an 80 ish man and long time supporter, who also stayed several minutes, by Stephen, a 53 year old British man, who stayed several minutes and by me for 1 hour and 10 minutes in a 2 hour vigil.
On display was John's bright blue sign, reading "War Is Not The Answer," as John held a 3 foot tall, 2 foot wide color picture of a troubled soldier painted by his son Damon, while Robert waved a green flag with a black peace a symbol and I held a two foot tall, two foot wide painting of a peace symbol.
The public response was the best I've seen in any of John's vigils over the last 1-2 years. Horn honks, waves and numerous two fingered peace signs, as many people seem concerned for the U.S.'s now 3 wars (Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya) and its "covert" war in Yemen. It helped the vigil that the U.S. news media gave the wars coverage this week, however small. It also helped to have so many of us out there on a street corner which captured the attention of drivers, especially with Robert waving the peace flag.
The most touching moment came when a 35 ish man pulled up, parked his SUV and walked over to the vigil and handed us two ice cold bottles of water. He expressed his support and wanted to offer water to help us. The bottles were so cold, it was obvious he had just gone out of his way to get them and give them to us.
As much as his kind act touched each of us, it brought an especially strong reaction from John, who was so moved by this man's act of kindness, that his eyes were not far from tears and he was for an instant caught for words to express his gratitude. He was so moved, he considered extending the vigil a 3rd hour, but concerned for his wife Michele's response to a vigil that had already gone from 11/2 hours to 2, John instead spoke of this man's thoughtful act as he smiled warmly.
Between all the horn honks, including those from two bus drivers, and the many waves and two fingered peace signs and this 35 ish man's kind act, it was a reaffirmation to us that John's vigil touched many people.
Dick
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