3/20/2003

Peace Activists Demonstrate Staff Charleston

The West Virginia Patriots For Peace wasted little time in beginning a candlelight vigil outside the Byrd Federal Courthouse in Charleston. They gathered at just before midnight, not long after President Bush gave his speech announcing the beginning of the war.

Organizer Rev. Jim Lewis says there is no preaching, no teaching, and no shouting at the blanket of lights and flowers. He says the group wants to give residents a place to gather to pray for peace and the safety of U.S. soldiers.

Lewis says the group has been fighting against the war for months and the first thought that went through his head Wednesday was quote, "we've failed." Lewis says he really knows they haven't failed the message of peace is growing. He says the group has ballooned to more than 1,000 residents across the state.

The group plans a Town Hall meeting in the days ahead. Lewis says, now that the war has begun, it's time for people to talk. He says he hopes being called anti-patriotic won't deter those who want to speak about the situation.

Lewis says the war and rebuilding will be long encounters and residents have to keep talking to things through to pass the time.

Lewis says the group fully supports the American troops in the Middle East. He says those soldiers are required to follow out orders and carry through missions. He says it's up to the people back home to ask the tough questions of political leaders. He says the group will also be supportive of family members who have relatives in the military.

Lewis says those who come to Byrd Courthouse will be invited to light a candle and stand for peace. Lewis says poetry and flowers are also welcome.