We would like to report that our Arlington North West
display on the Washington State capitol grounds at the Tivoli fountain on
10/16-17/04 feels like an incredible success and life changing experience for
many who participated. We believe we were able to accomplish 2 of the
organizations purposes. By producing a memorial tribute to our soldiers who have
lost there lives in Iraq, we increased public awareness of the cost of war and
demonstrated the need to seek justice for veterans and victims of war. To a
person all who visited the memorial thanks us and were clearly grateful. We
feel privileged and honored to share this experience with our community.
This project would not have been possible without the help and leadership
from our parent chapter, the Western Washington Veterans For Peace and the
Evergreen Peace and Justice Community. We are sensitive and mindful of the
wishes of those who had hoped this project could have been more. Although we too
regret the limitations placed on us we had a truly incredible, thankful response
from those who shared the experience. We are also grateful to the
leadership of the Arlington West Project for their creativity and steadfast
modeling of excellence.
About 100 turned out to carry 10 crosses each to a dirge beat of a
snare drum in a steady rain for one-third of a mile from down town Olympia to
the Capitol grounds. Dennis Mills, President of the Rachel Corrie Chapter,
conducted a brief ceremony. The mother in law of a fallen Washington
soldier spoke and gave thanks to be able to grieve in public. Acknowledgments
and thanks were given. Information about our chapter and objectives of the
event were stated. Taps was played after a moment of silence. The audience
participants were directed to place the 1000 plus crosses. Many of those
reported feeling like they were "carrying children while carrying the
crosses." Others said they wanted the crosses to be close together so
that "they could be close together." Everyone was moved and
appreciative.
Names of those killed were read throughout the 24 hour vigil. We talked
and reflected with those who appeared. Individuals, couples and families
with children showed up. Many were veterans. Many were from peace groups.
Some came with flowers. Some returned again and again. Some brought
refreshments. Students from colleges and high schools did interviews for
school papers. Photographers seemed to be almost constant. Although there
were countless memorable moments mine was of a solitary man who walked up to 3
of us and with his voice soft and low simply said "Thank you" with his
eyes beginning to fill with tears. He quickly turned and walked off the
grounds. I believe he "accomplished his very personal mission."
I'm sure others of our group had their especially touching moments also.
We were privileged to have music written and sung by a local man
specifically for our memorial. We had taps played by a sergeant and veteran of
Viet Nam who had stopped by to play taps at the Viet Nam and second world war
monuments. He was on his way to play at a fellow soldiers funeral. He
graciously accepted our request to play for are tribute. Both performances
were incredibly moving.
We had closing words from Dennis with a moment of silence for our member
Steve Renish who died Tuesday, 10/12/04 of cancer. Taps.......picked up
the display. Dismissed.
Thanks to all for your time, energy and support. Especially those
"significant others"
Submitted for your review and approval. Additions, deletions, corrections
welcomed.
Activity
scribe, G. Jim James