"In Memoriam: 4,000 US Soldiers Dead in Iraq"
Allen Hallmark report with photos, 05.04.2008 20:30
April 5, 2008
Medford, Oregon
Thanks to the 45 to 50 folks who turned out on another gray, rainy, cool day to participate in the "In Memoriam: 4,000 US Soldiers Dead in Iraq" event. While it wasn't a big crowd, it was an enthusiastic one. The mall security made us abandon our plans to have our program before the march in the little parking lot, so we moved out to the sidewalk and it was fine.
CLICK PHOTOS TO MAKE LARGER
Pete Herzog lead us in singing "Blowing in the Wind," then the 67 names of Oregonian soldiers who have died in Iraq were read by several volunteers, followed by a beautiful version of "Amazing Grace" by Beth Baker and her friend. Then, we began our march around the perimeter of the mall property.
Following Debbie Herzog's suggestion, we did a "die-in" on the sidewalk along Crater Lake Avenue to call attention not only to the US soldiers who have died but also the 1 million or more Iraqis who have lost their lives in Iraq. While the die-in had a serious purpose, carrying it out on the cold concrete had its humorous moments as you can see in the photos. Newlyweds, Wes and Brenda, maintained their touch even after "death." Others who "died" couldn't help but flash peace signs and smiles.
There was so much traffic at the mall that we've decided to move our 4th Saturday peace rallies to the Rogue Valley Mall where our protesters will be seen by so many more people. Thanks to Jerry Reed for suggesting it. The next 4th Saturday peace rally will be at 12 noon April 26th. We'll gather in the same little parking lot just north of the Shell station and proceed to the sidewalk along Crater Lake Highway and march around the perimeter.
If anyone has Mona's full name and email address, please send it to me. Mona helped carry the ACPC sign at the rally today. Thank you one and all who participated.
Yours for peace & justice,
Allen
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