"There is a better way to do that then what you're doing," said a large, 65 ish man from his black Lexus. This is the same man who used to curse this vigil because he felt it undermined the U.S. in its wars.
"What is that," I asked. "Pray," he replied. "That's an excellent idea and I do pray. But by doing this, I remind people these wars are continuing and remind them of these people [who've paid such a heavy price]. The media gives these wars very little coverage." "I can appreciate that," he said.
What was interesting was that this man, who became livid each time he saw this vigil, and would shout obscenities or make an obscene gesture, conducted himself calmly and civilly. Perhaps treating him with courtesy and respect all along was a factor.
Soon after he left, the vigil was joined by a 50 ish couple who often participate. A litte while later when they were getting ready to leave, John Fortier, a Korean War veteran who conducts a vigil every Friday evening nearby, joined us. In each case, it was a joy to have their company. In addition John, as a veteran combat soldier, offers extensive insight into what it is like to be confronted by and fight in a war.
While John was present, an 8 year old girl in the front seat of a dark sedan was fixated on the vigil and I smiled and waved at her. She began asking her mother about the vigil and her mother had no choice but to look at us and respond to her about a vigil she otherwise likely would have ignored.
But moments later, a blue Prius pulled up to the vigil and the 35 ish couple smiled and waved. In the back seat was their 10 year old son who took an intense interest and began discussing it with his parents. In both cars, the vigil touched young, impressionable lives.
Later, a group of Italian exchange students, a boy and three girls, walked up. They were from Naples and had just graduated from college days earlier. They were warm and outgoing and loved this Los Angeles area coastal community, as it reminded them of home. They wished they could stay here but "jobs" are scarce. It should be noted that our economy is being heavily drained by the wars, costing us jobs that deprive American citizens and could also otherwise attract young people like these.
As they were walking away, the son-in-law of the 64 year old Haitian man who often joins the vigil, stopped by. He explained that his father-in-law is in Haiti dealing with enormous problems there, but that he cares deeply about the vigil and wanted to know how I am.
As he walked off into the distance, the 27 year old athletic young man who joined last week's vigil, joined this one for its final 15 minutes. While he was there, a car with five teenage boys and girls pulled up and waved, a boy in the back seat holding up his hand in a two fingered peace sign.
Shortly afterward, a 50 ish man walking his dog came over and shook my hand, expressing his appreciation for the vigil. It was time to conclude the vigil however, and as that man and his dog walked away, the 27 year old man smiled and helped to put away the sign and its stand, as we amicably parted company.
It was a vigil filled with horn honks, including from people driving a different direction but apparently familiar with the vigil, as well as waves and several two fingered peace signs. Although the public is virtually uninvolved in the wars, it is nice to know so many of them care about its victims.
Dick
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