Notes From Peace Demonstrations: John Forteir Peace Vigil, 8/24/12

Nearly every Friday since President Bush launched the Iraq War in March of 2003, John Fortier, a Korean War veteran, retired school teacher, and a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather has held a peace vigil. That vigil is held in Redondo Beach, CA alongside Pacific Coast Highway. At last Friday's vigil, there was an event I would like to share with you:

In the heavy traffic, a silver SUV pulled up next to the vigil, blaring it's horn. In the backseat, in a child's protective carseat was a tiny adorable little girl about 4 years old. She held her right hand up in a two fingered peace sign as she smiled at us.

Seeing this deeply touched my heart and gave the peace vigil greater meaning because it was a sign of parents who understand the compassionate message of the vigil and would like to instill it in their daughter. It is my hope that as an adult, she will take peaceful action to help prevent or end wars and instill the need for peace and respect for all mankind in her children.

Dick