Round the clock anti-war vigil

WW photo: Susan Schnur

When the number of U.S. deaths in the war against Iraq hit 1,000, the Northeast Ohio Antiwar Coalition held a vigil with 1,000 candles. The scenario was repeated when the death toll reached 2,000 and again when it came to 3,000. When the latest report on Iraqi casualties showed a staggering 655,000 lives lost, NOAC knew it needed to engage in a dramatic demonstration of grief and anger.

After discussing various ideas, including a 655,000-foot walk from Cleveland to Columbus, the coalition reached consensus: It would sponsor a round-the-clock vigil for eight days and 14 hours—one second for every Iraqi death.

At 5 a.m. on March 8, despite temperatures in the teens, members of the coalition began their marathon protest at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on downtown’s Public Square. A 24-hour presence is being maintained, thanks to the participation of over 20 local organizations, each of which is taking one or more time slots.

At 9 p.m. on March 15 the vigil will disassemble. Twenty-four hours later many of the participants will board buses for Washington to march on the Pentagon on March 17.