Topic: Vigil

Unlit Eternal Flame dishonors all veterans

By Bill Larson | March 16, 2008 |

Saturday was the fifth anniversary of the launch of the invasion of Iraq. Since the 2003 invasion America has suffered the grievous loss of some of it’s best, brightest, and most patriotic citizens. As I noted just a few days ago, the casualties of this war had reached 3987; 84 of those were from Tennessee, 4 from Clarksville.

As many of you know, I have in the past written articles strongly disagreeing with the Iraq war. I still oppose it and will continue to protest until it is finally ended, and the last American soldier has safely returned home. Now that we have made that clear, I must make something else clear.

 I have nothing but the highest respect for the dedication and the totality of the sacrifices that the soldiers serving our country make. As someone who has served in the military I understand that those who serve in our military are not granted the privilege of being able to cast a moral judgment about the legitimacy of the wars they are ordered to fight, and they share none of the blame so richly deserved by those who intentionally lied us into this conflict.

So on Saturday around dusk I went to Public Square in downtown Clarksville Tennessee in order to conduct what amounted to a one person vigil honoring those lives which have been lost in this unjust and immoral war in Iraq. I said my silent prayers for the souls of those no longer with us, and my continuing prayer for the safe return of those who are still in harms way.

After I was finished, I went for my camera. It is frequently said that a picture speaks a thousand words, so I will let the picture I took speak loud and clear, “Someone has a lot to answer for!” Fuel the flame; honor our soldiers.

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Peace activists gather at eternal flame

By Christine Anne Piesyk | March 20, 2007 |

Opposing forces on the Iraq War issue gathered at the Pillar or Fire, Pillar of Clouds  in downtown Clarksville last night. The FreeThinkers for Peace and Civil Liberties held a peace vigil at 7 p.m. Monday acknowledging the end of the 4th year of the Iraq War,  calling for an end to the conflict and the safe return of our troops from what they deem is an unwinnable war. Jeff Mackens and a half dozen pro-war pro-Bush supporters also gathered, waving flags at passers-by. Ironically, both groups offered the same basic message: support our troops. Their differences rest in issues of policy, not people.

At the center of the peace group was a large, stark white sign reading Every Life Is Unique, illuminated by a floodlight and clusters of candles at its base. The group also clustered candles on the marble base of the eternal flame to illuminate it, since the flame itself is not lit. Using songs, drumming,  poetic readings and personal statement, the group spoke of their support for the troops and their opposition to U.S. policies and censured the official lies that launched the war. In a moment reminiscent of the Vietnam era, the  sang Give Peace A Chance. «Read the rest of this article»

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Peace vigil planned

By Christine Anne Piesyk | March 19, 2007 |

The FreeThinkers for Peace and Civil Liberties will hold a candlelight vigil tonight at 7 p.m. the Eternal Flame at Public Square and Main Street in downtown Clarksville. The Vigil marks the fourth year of the Iraq War and follows a national movement of protests and rallies against the war that have been held across the country over the past three days, including the “Walk in the Shoes” rally in Nashville on Saturday. The public is welcome to attend this peace event.

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