2008 Woodie Awards
Peace vigil honors Iraq War
By: Emily Davis
Issue date: 3/21/08 Section: News
A Wednesday candlelight vigil gave many people a chance to reflect on the war in Iraq.
Students, faculty members and Mount Pleasant residents gathered from 9 to 10:30 p.m. at the Warriner Mall for a memoriam and a peace vigil for the fifth-year anniversary of the war that began in 2003. Approximately 45 people stood holding candles and listened to each others' stories.
Kristen Kasinsky, one of the students responsible for putting on the event, wanted people to have a chance to get together with others and remember the start of the Iraq War and also those who have served in the war.
"It's important for people to remember the war is still going on and there are people overseas," said the Hastings graduate student.
Mount Pleasant resident and CMU alumna Mary Irvine was glad people came out to remember the war and to share their personal stories.
"We need to keep coming out and making statements and talking about the war with our friends and neighbors and whoever," Irvine said.
Temporary English faculty member Nicole Sushka worked with Kasinsky to make the event possible. She said she hopes the event has raised awareness about the war in Iraq.
"I think that events like this are a good way for people to work for peace, to come together, to listen to each other, to share stories and to try to work together for peace," Sushka said.
Those in attendance lit their candles to begin the event, then read the list of 149 Michigan soldiers who have died in Iraq or Afghanistan. People were able to speak about their own personal experiences and connections to the Iraq War.
Beth Thibault was one of the many who came to observe the anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq.
"One of my reasons for coming is because my boyfriend is going to go to Iraq soon," said the West Branch senior.
Kasinsky wanted the event to be a peaceful one.
"Mainly, I wanted it to be a way to search for peace and reconciliation and have it not be either an 'I support or I don't support' the war, but an 'I support finding a peaceful solution,'" she said.
news@cm-life.com
Students, faculty members and Mount Pleasant residents gathered from 9 to 10:30 p.m. at the Warriner Mall for a memoriam and a peace vigil for the fifth-year anniversary of the war that began in 2003. Approximately 45 people stood holding candles and listened to each others' stories.
Kristen Kasinsky, one of the students responsible for putting on the event, wanted people to have a chance to get together with others and remember the start of the Iraq War and also those who have served in the war.
"It's important for people to remember the war is still going on and there are people overseas," said the Hastings graduate student.
Mount Pleasant resident and CMU alumna Mary Irvine was glad people came out to remember the war and to share their personal stories.
"We need to keep coming out and making statements and talking about the war with our friends and neighbors and whoever," Irvine said.
Temporary English faculty member Nicole Sushka worked with Kasinsky to make the event possible. She said she hopes the event has raised awareness about the war in Iraq.
"I think that events like this are a good way for people to work for peace, to come together, to listen to each other, to share stories and to try to work together for peace," Sushka said.
Those in attendance lit their candles to begin the event, then read the list of 149 Michigan soldiers who have died in Iraq or Afghanistan. People were able to speak about their own personal experiences and connections to the Iraq War.
Beth Thibault was one of the many who came to observe the anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq.
"One of my reasons for coming is because my boyfriend is going to go to Iraq soon," said the West Branch senior.
Kasinsky wanted the event to be a peaceful one.
"Mainly, I wanted it to be a way to search for peace and reconciliation and have it not be either an 'I support or I don't support' the war, but an 'I support finding a peaceful solution,'" she said.
news@cm-life.com
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