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Thursday, 20 March 2008 |
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 Staff photo/Andrea Poteet
Area residents gathered at a vigil to mark the fifth anniversary of the Iraq War Wednesday in Wapakoneta.
By ANDREA POTEET
Staff Writer
WAPAKONETA — Huddled in a circle under the gazebo at Harmon Park Wednesday, members of the Wapakoneta Area Ministerial Association and the community gathered for a candlelight vigil to recognize the fifth anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq.
With rain showers and a windchill of 29 degrees, the Rev. Alex Gondola, pastor of St. Paul United Church of Christ said WAMA members considered rescheduling the event, but with group of 12 to 15 in attendance they held the 30-minute event.
“War doesn’t stop for bad weather,” Gondola told the crowd, adding that inclement weather pales in comparison to the conditions Iraqi citizens and U.S. soldiers face daily.
The Rev. Elaine Mikesell, associate pastor of St. Paul United Church of Christ, read a response reading and the Rev. Greg Roberts, pastor of Salem United Methodist Church, joined Wapakoneta Christian guitarist and singer Mike Nicol in renditions of “American the Beautiful” and other patriotic and gospel songs that shared the theme of peace.
Members of the crowd read Bible passages and famous quotes about peace from Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and others.
Gondola said the rising Auglaize River in the background served as a symbol for WAMA and those attending the vigil.
“I thought of the river as something of a symbol,” Gondola told the crowd. “It could sweep away anything in its path right now, it’s that powerful — so are the forces that lead to war.”
The program, Gondola said, was designed to go from “lament to hope, to hopefully action” closed with a call to action.
He urged attendees to call or write the White House and ask for the war to end, and posted the e-mail address and telephone number of the White House around the gazebo.
“You can’t tell what honest fervent prayers will do,” Gondola said.
He said he does not expect every person who attended to write or call the White House, but he hopes the event made a difference.
“It doesn’t seem likely, but I hope so,” Gondola said. “It’s at least something we can do.”
Wapakoneta Mayor Rodney Metz said he felt is was important he attend the event.
“We need to remember all our troops,” Metz said. “Not only ours, but everyone involved. We need to remember the sacrifice their making on our behalf.”
Wapakoneta resident Brenda Wellington said she came to the vigil to show her support for the troops. Her son-in-law, Lee Martin, of Wapakoneta, served in the Iraqi War three years ago.
“I love our kids,” Wellington said. “The people we love are out there fighting and it’s the least we can do.”
Wellington said she was surprised to learn the war is inching toward its sixth year without a resolution.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been five years,” Wellington said. “I really didn’t think it would be that long.”
Sidney resident Kara Westerbeck said she came to support the men and women in the military. Her cousin, Ross Miller, of Sidney, returned home from Iraq last year, where he trained Iraqi soldiers with the National Guard.
“I came just to honor our troops,” Westerbeck said. “They’re our loved ones, and we wish them home soon.” |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 25 March 2008 )
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