Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 3/19/08 Section: News

Media Credit: JIM WATSON President George W. Bush, center, speaks at Al-Asad Air Base in Anbar Province, Iraq, on Sept. 3, 2007. [Click to enlarge]

The five-year anniversary of the Iraq War is a time of remembrance for many.

At Central Michigan University, students and faculty have a chance to gather for a peace vigil to honor those who have served in the war at 9 p.m. today at Warriner Mall.

"We wanted to get the community involved in celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Iraq War," said Nicole Sushka, a temporary English language and literature faculty member. "We have been in this war longer than we were in World War II - it's important to continue awareness of the Iraq War."

After the Persian Gulf War, the Iraqi government was supposed to cease production of weapons of mass destruction and stop their support of terrorist groups. President George W. Bush accused Iraq of violating this condition in October 2002.

The Iraq War was started in March of 2003 when United States' and Britain's troops invaded Iraq.

The war is estimated to have cost the United States close to $500 billion thus far and is expected to continue to rise.

In his State of the Union Address this year, Bush said the war will not be over soon as the United States enters another phase.

"Our objective in the coming year is to sustain and build on gains we made in 2007, while transitioning to the next phase of our strategy," he said in the Jan. 28 speech.

Some estimates say the war may last up to 10 years.

Hastings graduate student Kristen Kasinsky said people should stand for peace and attend tonight's vigil.

"I think it's important for people to show their support during this time," she said.

news@cm-life.com


The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools