For the week of November 20 - 26, 2002

Candlelight vigil promotes peace

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By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

Beginning with a few words by Rev. Brian Baker of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, a candlelight vigil took place last Wednesday night not so much to protest war but to promote the idea of peace. There were at least 75 people gathered at the Ketchum Town Square, huddled in down jackets, hats and mittens, and carrying lighted candles.

The vigil came on the heels of a national day of protest, Oct. 26, where over 200,000 marched on the Capitol in Washington, D.C., and 100,000 marched in San Francisco. Elsewhere, demonstrations were held in cities around the world to coincide with the Washington march, including Rome, Berlin, Copenhagen, Tokyo and Mexico City.

A candlelight vigil for peace Nov. 13 in Ketchum attracted many concerned citizens, The Rev. Brian Baker, far right, opened the vigil with a prayer and a few words on the subject of peace. Express photo by David N. Seelig

Baker said the country needs to continue a public debate on the subject of potential war against Iraq. Rabbi Martin Levy read a prayer for peace. Both men recalled being in Washington, D.C., and New York, respectively, on the eve of the Gulf War a decade ago.

A round of the anthem "Let There Be Peace on Earth" was sung, at the end of which those present raised their candles skyward.

Vigil organizer Margaret Macdonald Stewart said, "War is the science of destruction. It destroys lives, families, cultures, dreams, water, trust and it shatters the future and perhaps it’s a part of an unending cycle of hatred and revenge."

"We have to hold the hands of the younger generation," said Anita McCann, who has attended other marches. "War is an obsolete way to solving disputes."

 

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