Vigils, Vandalism and Intimidation

I attended one of several vigils in my area in support of discovering "what noble cause" Casey Sheehan died for. With me, at the vigil were people young and old...we lined both sides of a street with candles, signs and flowers. In the crowd were parents of other military members. One dad's shirt read "Proud Airforce Dad." He said that his son and family were "counting down the days" until his son re-entered civilian life next month. The other dad, I knew. His son, a Marine reservist had completed a tour in Iraq last year. This year, he attends film school. Dad firmly hopes he is not called back and can continue his schooling. His mom is currently in Crawford and plans to return home on Friday.

Earlier in the week, a Bush supporter decided to mow down a few crosses at Camp Casey in Crawford. I guess he considered this a display of support for the President. Another man, posing as a law enforcement official made threats to the folks at Camp Casey. Both were arrested.

Our demonstration, too, had a few local Bush supporters "make a statement". One pretended to veer his car toward those lining the street, laying on his horn and giving all, the one finger salute. The demonstrators, who numbered about 200, seemed largely unimpressed. The event organizer read a letter from Cindy Sheehan....and a poem from Casey's sister (posted on another thread in this blog). I lit candles for three soldiers: my son, the son of a friend who left for Iraq earlier in the week and one to remember Casey. Casey's candle would not stay lit.

Pictures will follow - later.