Prior to Tuesday, I had no plans to attend a candlelight vigil to support Cindy Sheehan at Camp Casey. I wanted to attend one, but couldn't find a nearby vigil with any registered participants. Tuesday afternoon, nobody had registered at the Canton, Ohio vigil.
Then I started getting e-mails on it. By this morning, three people had signed up. Then it was 12, then 20, then 35. 51 people had registered by the time the vigil was to begin...and 71 people attended it. Even more amazing than that is the fact that I knew very few of the people in attendance.
I founded the Stark County Peace Coalition, and through 35 separate demonstrations, I believed I knew everyone who was committed to the peace movement in my hometown. But after tonight, I realize so much more....because I saw SO many fresh faces and heard SO many new voices, I realized something.
The tide has turned.
Many of these people were not against this war when it began. While we marched in the streets, they were either in support of the Iraq War or they stayed silent. Not anymore. The wave of fresh faces is a wake-up call. People who were silent before will not be silent again. People who supported the war are turning against it. Tonight's vigil was beautiful. I didn't want to go home. I loved every second of it. I met some amazing new people and I'm still overwhelmed from the energy I felt.
Mark your calendars. August 17th, 2005. The day that America woke up and began the incredible journey towards peace.
If you were there tonight, or at another vigil, please share your thoughts here. I'd love to hear from you.
Jeff Seemann
P.S. As for what's next....well, maybe a trip to Crawford, Texas to join Cindy? We'll just have to see about that.
My heart was overfilled by seeing all the people who came out. My heart aches for the Mom's who were there who's sons are now serving. Please lets keep up the pressure to bring our troops home. Maybe if this country looks to Cindy Sheehan as the fire to ignite our beliefs, we can bring home our troops for Christmas!
Posted by: casey fay | August 18, 2005 at 12:59 PM
(Nodding my head at Jeff's and Casey's words.)
The vigil was a small thing, but it might effect some changes in a couple of ways. First, being out there with so many local people of so many stripes gave me a lot of courage to speak my mind and not allow myself to be pushed to the fringes of society. I think our friends in the opposition community will be encouraged in the same way, just knowing that others are so committed.
And second, the general public is getting a real glimpse of how sincere and dedicated and thoughtful and pissed off and determined we are, (link below). We aren't a bunch of rabid crusaders frothing at the mouth and calling for right wing blood. We're just neighbors across the fence, and we're demanding that responsibility be taken for the bloodshed.
Did anyone notice how the dripping candle wax looked like little flower petals on the bricks? Or tears. We left our mark on Canton. I thought that was poignant.
Here's the Repository's story on last night's vigil:
http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?Category=9&ID=237924&r=2
Craig
Posted by: Craig Schroeder | August 18, 2005 at 04:10 PM
As for what's next, there is going to be a huge protest in DC on Sept 24, sponsored by United for Peace and Justice.
Posted by: Andrew | August 22, 2005 at 07:05 AM
The peace vigil was a beautiful experience. I can't for the life of me understand why all mankind would not support peace. Let's continue these vigils. The peace movement in Stark County needs to roll once again.
Posted by: Shirley Campolieto | August 23, 2005 at 12:19 PM