"Life is so short," said a 58 year old Slovakian man as he briefly joined the vigil, one held for those who have paid dearly in America's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Life is about friends, good food and music," he added with enthusiasm to lighten the mood.
As he said that, another man walked up and warmly greeted him with a smile and a handshake. "I know a lot of people," this Slovakian man said with a smile as he shook my hand. "I have a lot of friends." And by his presence and his warmth, he added joy to the vigil.
For the first 40 minutes, there were no other vigil participants other than those who honked their horns or waved in support. But then John Fortier arrived, walking with the 50 ish couple who often join.
Later, as the vigil was about to end, it was joined by a 55 ish woman and her friend, as the 55 ish woman walked an adorable black and white, tiny, perhaps 12 pound Shih Tzu dog. She told us her late father was a soldier in World War ll, and her uncle, still living, is a Korean War veteran.
As she expressed her concern for today's soldiers and others affected by the wars, we discussed that when a soldier goes off to war, so does his or her family, as they all pay a big price. That realization touched her as she silently absorbed it with a sad look in her eyes. John wisely switched the subject to her lovable little dog and as we all oohed and awed, the mood changed to one of happiness, a lovely way to end last night's vigil.
Dick
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