Candlelight Vigil No. 303, 1/4/12

"A candle for you guys," said a 30 ish man, a passenger in a car that pulled up in front of the vigil and despite the heavy traffic, inched by so John Fortier and I could see the bright flaming wick within his hand, cupped by his other hand.

It was a wonderful gesture he made in mirroring a vigil candle that for 6 years, has burned in remembrance of those killed or seriously wounded in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the pain and loss felt by their families.

It was quite a final vigil. From the outset, we were joined by my friend of 26 years, Michael Delees, who came to take photographs and to offer his support, as he stayed with us for 45 minutes. It was also joined by another warm and caring friend, Vicky Landis for about 15 minutes and by a 50 ish couple that in recent years has joined many of the vigils for a few minutes at a time. Near the end, there was a 35 ish man who we've seen during recent vigils, and as he does each time, came by pushing a baby stroller for two with his cute children, a 3 1/2 year old daughter on one side and her 1 year old brother next to her. This baby boy was fascinated by the burning candle.

The traffic during the vigil was frequently heavy, often bumper to bumper, across 8 lanes and there were many horn honks, waves and two fingered peace signs from the drivers. As always, that support included the bus drivers, many of whom took the vigil to heart. When they would stop at a red light, it had become common practice for them to open their doors and offer some kind words of support, as happened last night with one driver.

In thinking of the 303 vigils over 6 years, what stands out is the thousands of people the vigil reached. Some acknowledged the vigil, many did not but for most people the vigil and its cause was impossible to ignore, if only for a moment. Over the years the vigil reached parents with children and triggered a powerful impression on those children and many a family discussion. It also visibly moved soldiers and the families of soldiers, many of whom felt like no-one cared about the sacrifices they were making until they saw the burning candle and read the sign.

I recall a former soldier who had served multiple deployments in Iraq, who parked his car and joined for nearly an entire vigil. He was in his mid-20's but was suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, often either unable to sleep at night or enveloped by horrific nightmares that put him back in the middle of firefights and on a major attack on his base. He was often angry and afraid and having trouble functioning in civilian life and so appreciative of the vigil and having someone to listen to him.

I recall from a separate John Fortier vigil, two traumatized soldiers in their early 20's who had served two deployments in Iraq. They exploded in anger when they saw John's "War Is Not The Answer" sign and his peace flag. After calming them down, they explained they had seen their closest friend and others killed in Iraq and were still living the horrors of war. While they were home, they saw that most people didn't care about the wars and were indifferent to the price paid by the military. They mistakenly thought John too was being what they called, "disrespectful," and regretted their outburst.

I remember a former Marine who served 12 years including in Operation Desert Storm in Iraq (1991), describing how brutal war really is. And I recall a Cambodian refugee who was a child during the 1970's Killing Fields of Pol Pot and how as an adult, he despised war and all of its brutality.

I recall a brilliant and cordial young French couple who were exchange students one summer and joined several vigils. What a joy it was to feel their energy and enthusiasm for life. And I recall a woman in her 60's who for a time attended many vigils, stopping on her way to church. And then there was a British woman in her 60's filled with charm and personality who, with a quick wit and razor sharp insight would address the hypocrisy of presidents Obama and Bush and Congress and make the listener laugh.

But of all the people I met, the one who brought the most joy during the vigil was Korean War veteran, retired school teacher and husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and peace activist John Fortier. It was a pleasure to have his in person support throughout nearly all of the last two years of vigils. And from afar was my friend and a guiding light, Mary Ellen in Cottage Grove, Oregon who each week offered encouragement and took such an interest in the vigils from the outset, that it is because of her, these vigils have been documented for you and for others dear reader.

Then there was my Uncle Gene and Aunt Eleanor, my wife Anne, her mother Mary and our 97 year old friend Fay Ward who at their homes lit candles as each vigil was taking place. And Pat Alviso and Jeff Merrick, whose Military Families Speak Out organization continues the peaceful battle to end the U.S.'s wars, setting a wonderful example for us all.

These are recollections and observations from these years of hosting the vigil. I will continue to hold in my heart all those who have paid so severe a price in these wars and with my most fervent passion hope these wars are finally brought to an end.

Dick