"We see you out here often," said a 55 ish woman with her husband across from her. "What does your sign say?" After she read the sign, her smile was replaced by a look of horror.
"Oh, that is awful," she stated in reference to the Iraq war. "Why do they allow that war to continue? What can it accomplish? It's so sad." Then after an instant of silence she added, "Thank you for doing that."
This is how last night's vigil began. It was a vigil filled with horn honks, head nods, thumbs up, call-outs and waves as it touched many drivers.
"I was in the Merchant Marines during Operation Desert Storm [1991]," said a 40 ish man. "We were civilians being guarded by the U.S. military as we transported bullets for the war. It was still scary."
As he was speaking, a 65 year old woman who sometimes joins the vigil shook my hand as she walked by. Behind her was a 35 ish woman pushing a baby stroller with a tiny boy inside. She stopped to read the sign, as the former Merchant Marine walked away.
"Absolutely," her voice boomed as she stared fiercely into my eyes.
"And Afghanistan," a 30 ish man called out from his truck as he sped by.
People know the U.S. has embarked on endless wars and that its victims often suffer in silence, invisible to Americans, including American victims.
For whatever its reasons, the U.S. media rarely shares individual stories or even shows pictures, which would allow Americans to relate to the tragedy of these wars. Instead the wars are hidden and bloodless and their carnage non-existent. There are no widows, there are no orphans, there is no pain.
Yet we know these disasters are happening and each day there are more victims. As a person of conscience you can do something about it. If you have a religious affiliation, encourage its leaders to get involved, for despite the teachings in the holy books, their silence is widespread.
If you can spare some money, contribute to veteran's organizations helping soldiers and their families in need or donate money to groups helping the children of those whose nations have now been torn asunder.
Write emails or letters to your local media asking them to cover these wars. They have a responsibility to do so under the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, a responsibility few have honored.
The next time you think, "I'm just one person, what can I do?" cast out that negative thinking. Realize that what you think matters and that you could make a vital difference if only you will take action.
"God bless you buddy," remarked a 65 ish man as he stared at the sign and then hung his head. "You're obviously a very caring person," he added softly.
"So are you sir," I replied. "Thank you for caring for these people," I added as we shook hands. It was a nice way to end last night's vigil.
Dick
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