By ANDY ROSEN, Reformer Staff
Wednesday, September 20
Published at Reformer
BRATTLEBORO — Local activists, angered by the continuing violence in Iraq and the prospect of war in Iran, are kicking off a week of pro-peace demonstrations.
National organizers hope to have a set of demands related to peace in Iraq by Thursday.
If they’re not, supporters around the area and across the state are ready to take their opposition to the streets.
A candlelight vigil, beginning at 7 p.m. near Wells Fountain, will mark both the International Day of Peace and the culmination of the Declaration of Peace Campaign.
In 1981, the United Nations set Sept. 21 as an International Day of Peace, a day to commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace in the world.
The Declaration of Peace Campaign calls for a timetable for pulling out troops and closing bases, a peaceful reconstruction process and the shifting of war funds to “human needs.”
Local organizers said they’re prepared to engage in non-violent action and civil disobedience over the course of the next week, as protesters across the United States have pledged to do, if those demands aren’t met.
“We want peace in this world,” said Rupa Cousins, who is co-organizing the event on behalf of the Network for Spiritual Progressives. “We want an end to war, especially in Iraq.”
Organizer Dan DeWalt, a Newfane Selectboard member, said the vigil will be a way to organize for the upcoming non-violent protests, which could involve sit-ins in the offices of federal legislators.
He said it’s time for the American public to wake up and make itself heard.
“We need to get people willing to go out into the streets, and get people to ramp it up a notch,” he said.
DeWalt said he’s growing increasingly concerned about the prospects for war in Iran.
He said if the U.S. deploys troops to that country, there should be widespread outrage.
“If (President) Bush goes into Iran, he should face civil unrest back home,” he said. “Even in Vermont, we’ve all got the right attitude, but when it comes to putting ourselves on the line, we’re not doing our part as citizens.”
Similar vigils will be held around the nation.
In Vermont, communities in Rutland, Burlington, Brattleboro, Bennington, Montpelier and the Northeast Kingdom will be lighting candles for peace.
Organizers here are asking people to bring their own candles, each in a paper cup with an “x” cut in the center to catch the wax. Some candles will be provided.
Also on the International Day of Peace, the Guilford Community Church is hosting an interfaith “Taize” spiritual chanting service.
It begins with dinner at 5:30 p.m. Chanting rehearsals start at 6:30 p.m., and the actual service begins at 7:30 p.m.
Andy Rosen can be reached at or (802) 254-2311, ext. 275.