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Grass roots call for peace meets local opposition

Members of the West Springfield Citizens for Peace and other local residents participated in the National Iraq Moratorium last Friday. Signs read "Endless 'this' War" and "West Springfield Says No To War." A counter-protestor posted signs behind the peaceful demonstrators (far left) some of which read, "Diluted misguided peace protestors won't keep us safe" and "Dead terrorists don't kill." Reminder Publications photo by Katelyn Gendron
By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD While standing on the curb of a bustling Elm Street Friday afternoon, members of the West Springfield Citizens for Peace and other private citizens joined many around the nation to participate in the National Iraq Moratorium.

Citizens in communities from Benicia, Calif., to Duluth, Minn., and Pensacola, Fla., spend one hour during the third Friday of each month to demonstrate their peaceful opposition to the War in Iraq. The small group of seven participants held signs which read, "Endless 'this' War" and "West Springfield Says No To War."

Those in attendance of this grassroots movement said their motives, however small in numbers, were to draw attention and reflection on the war one pedestrian and driver at a time.

One pedestrian who chose not to speak with Reminder Publications and only with the demonstrators, told them that he was an Iraqi war veteran and that there should be more people like them supporting the troops and opposing to the war.

"Maybe we can get out of there. Lost too many good friends over there," he said as he walked past before stopping to speak with the demonstrators. He explained that while traveling in a Humvee during his time of service in the Middle East he witnessed his best friend killed before his eyes.

"Hopefully this will make people think when it's time to vote," Marjory Lehan of WARoNOke Peace Action Group, said, while trying not to engage with a counter-protestor. She tried to explain to the pro-war protestor -- who would only go by the name of Richard -- that she and others were in support of the troops but not the war.

However, Richard said he was in attendance to "show another side" of the war effort. His signs, which he placed behind those held by citizens participating in the National Iraq Moratorium, read, "Diluted misguided peace protestors won't keep us safe," "Dead terrorists don't kill" and "Want to make a liberal angry? Defend the U.S."

Julie Schlobohm of West Springfield said she feels it is the responsibility of all citizens, regardless of any opposition, "to put pressure on the government because the burden on military families and Iraqi civilians is too great." She added that those who joined her are aimed at drawing attention to "the human price" paid by those living or serving in Iraq.

Schlobohm said she believes that many Americans have become desensitized to the war because unlike other wars in American history it "only affects a small percentage [of Americans]."

Diane Crowell, member of the West Springfield Citizens for Peace, said all those wishing to participate in future events such as vigils that take place during the first and third Tuesday of each month can call her at 734-8188.

For more information about the National Iraq Moratorium go to www.iraqmoratorium.org. For more information about WARoNOke Peace Action Group go to www.waronokepeace.org.