Demonstration honors fallen Iraq war soldiers





Demonstration honors fallen Iraq war soldiers

Here's the State News story on the March 25, 2008 vigil remembering deaths in Iraq: hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and 4000 U.S. military.

Thank you to the 100 people who gathered for the vigil Tuesday afternoon on the median of Grand River Avenue.

Posted at Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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Monday, March 17, 2008
Lansing Peace Vigil Community: Reflections on six and a half years of a vigil for peace
















LANSING PEACE VIGIL COMMUNITY


The Lansing Peace Vigil began on the Friday after September 11, 2001 and has continued every Friday for the last six and a half years. The vigil is held from noon - 1:00 pm, at the intersection of Capitol and Michigan Avenues in front of the Michigan State Capitol Building.

The vigil is anchored by members of the Lansing Peace Vigil Community, which is made up of local peace groups and individuals: veterans, teachers, professors, pastors, lawyers, students, nurses, artists, social workers, retirees, activists, and others from the Lansing area. Between 10 and 100 people participate in the vigil. Usually there are at least 25 people in attendance. If we call for a special action such as the closing down of Guantanamo, more people attend. Over the last 6 years, approximately 750 Lansing residents have attended at one time or another. There are about 30 regular attenders.

Initially, vigilers came together as witnesses for peace and justice and to advocate for non-violent strategies in response to terrorism. We were concerned that there would be war, preemptive strikes, collective punishment, and repercussions for our neighbors: local Arab, South Asian, and Muslim communities.

Over the last 6 years two main themes predominate at the Lansing vigil outside the Michigan State Capitol: Peace in The Middle East (Ending the Occupation of Iraq, Bringing the Troops Home Now and Opposing War With Iran) and An End to Torture.



In the beginning, people passing by the Friday Peace Vigil were not sure about our stance or our message. Some people listened, took materials, and signed petitions. Others had angry responses to our presence. People would yell that we were traitors, should get jobs, and should leave the country. Some people have thrown our fliers on the ground or shake their heads, expressing disgust or disbelief. Over time, people are responding more favorably to the message of peace and to peace vigilers. There are many honks for peace these days. People passing by will thank us for our witness. Sometimes they join us for the vigil.

The most memorable conversations I've had at the Peace Vigil are with high school students visiting the Michigan Capitol Building on class outings from outlying towns. The students ask us why we are here, and they usually thank us. They ask for information about counter-recruitment. They often hold peace signs and stand with us. They ask their friends to take pictures of themselves at the peace vigil. It is moving to me that since we have been here for 6 years, students who visited the Capitol in past years remember us and bring their friends to join us.

From Ann Francis
One of the coordinators of the Lansing Peace Vigil
March 2008

Posted at Monday, March 17, 2008
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Wednesday, March 12, 2008
5 Years Too Many - Stand for Peace







The bottom two photos are of March 19th protests in 2006 and 2007. The top photos were taken March 19, 2008 by Frank Dennis.

PROTEST FIVE YEARS OF THE IRAQ WAR and OCCUPATION

STAND FOR PEACE on WEDNESDAY MARCH 19, 2008 in LANSING,

4:30 - 6:30 pm at the benches along South Cedar St. near I-496


STAND FOR PEACE on THURSDAY MARCH 20, 2008 in EAST LANSING,

4:30 - 6:00 pm on the median of Grand River Avenue at Abbot Road

PROTEST FIVE YEARS OF THE IRAQ WAR and OCCUPATION

Both actions are listed on the web site: http://www.5yearstoomany.org.

Posted at Wednesday, March 12, 2008
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