"That is very nice of you," said a 45 ish woman lowering her passenger side car window. "It makes us all stop and think." This was how the vigil began and the comments never ceased.
"What a terrible thing that is," said a 26-year-old man staring at the sign. "It's just stupid," he added as he shook his head in disbelief.
This young man then joined the vigil for about the 4th time since the vigils began three years ago and stayed for roughly 20-minutes. "I'm glad you're still out here," he remarked. "I didn't think you would be. I'm sorry that it's necessary but I'm glad you're here.
"I'm a veteran," snapped a 60 ish scowling man after reading the sign. "We should never forget them! I was in the Navy from 1973 to '77. It's a terrible thing the way the public turned its back on the Vietnam veterans. None of these servicemen should be forgotten."
He then turned away and walked several steps before turning around and starting to walk back. "Thank you for doing this," he stated. "I appreciate it."
"What a mess that is," said a 60 ish man in anger as he read the sign. "Our economy is a disaster and we have to take care of ourselves first. We have to concentrate on America and forget everyone else!"
"How is Anne," a warm voice rang out a short time later. "Is she feeling better?" It turned out to be a 64-year-old woman who often joins the vigil, and she did last night for about 10-minutes. "I read about her in your weekly newsletter." ["Angel of Mercy" article on http://www.kazantoday.com]
"She is doing much better," I replied. "Thank you for asking." "That's good," she answered with a smile. "I'm glad to hear that."
"What a mess Barack Obama is inheriting," she said. "The war in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, bailouts, defaults, the mortgage crisis. No-one knows what to do.
"And none of those who caused the mess will take responsibility for it," she added. "Wouldn't it be nice if just one of them said, 'I caused it and I'm sorry. I'd like to do everything I can to correct it.' "
Just then the vigil took a much happier, lighter tone as a smiling young couple with their two tiny tots in a stroller walked up and gave us a warm greeting. This couple occasionally joins the vigil and they are always supportive.
I introduced everyone and the 64-year-old lady and I ooohed and aaahed at the little children who smiled back at us, as their parents glowed at them and us. The night's chill was suddenly replaced with warmth and joy.
Near the vigil's end, a Haitian man who often joins the vigil did so again as he good-naturedly shook my hand and offered his supportive comments.
Shortly after he walked away, a bus driver blocked the right lane while the light was green and opened his doors and repeatedly honked his horn as he waved with the other hand and he smiled broadly. It was heartwarming to see and hear and feel and a lovely way for the vigil to end.
Dick
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