This was the 3,653 day of the vigil and, of course, of our war on/in Afghanistan. I wish I could report a vast out-pouring of people filling the block. Even more I wish I could report a cease-fire and brilliant diplomacy and humble withdrawal of our militant presence from all foreign lands.
When I arrived a few minutes before 5 today only the press was there waiting - a reporter and a photographer. Slowly, slowly the numbers grew and signs came out of the van and photos were taken. A new "sign" swayed from the back of the van - white on black, stating : "honor the dead, heal the wounded, stop the war." A woman from Philomath came for the first time, drawn by a recent letter to the editor about the purpose that motivates one vigil regular. This woman said she feels powerless to know what to do in the face of the many huge problems. The vigil was something she could do, taking a public stand. Someone brought an eye-catching arrangement of an american flag hanging side-by-side with a beautiful blue and white peace flag. The passers-by were friendly. A young man with a peace flag joined us, saying it was important to remember this day. Two international students stopped to ask what it all was; briefly they stood with signs then said farewell as they went on.
21 to mark the end of a decade of war. I left glad for those who came.
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