SHORELINE — Holding little lanterns and large and small candles, residents gathered together to honor the 2,000 U.S. soldiers who have lost their lives in the Iraq war.
About 40 members of MoveOn.org Political Action group gathered at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 26 at a home on Eighth Avenue NW. They met outside the house, and in the candlelight shared stories, hope and encouragement.
“People support the troops, but want them home and want an exit strategy,” said Tim Friedrichsen, who hosted the vigil at his house. “Let’s honor those folks who have died and make sure we don’t have to honor another 2,000.”
Friedrichsen, 46, organized the event at his home with help from MoveOn.org, which he said has 3.5 million members. The online organization mobilizes public opinion by providing individuals with information via e-mail, encouraging them to gather together to take stands against issues facing the country.
MoveOn.org staff helped organize vigils throughout the Seattle area by distributing an e-mail invitation to members, said Friedrichsen, who also invited his neighbors. Friedrichsen said there were 10 vigils held that night within 20 miles of his home.
Although Friedrichsen initially thought only about 10-15 people would attend the vigil at his house, he was surprised to see about 40 people gather.
“People are afraid to speak up in this country and they don’t want to be called cowards for not supporting the war,” Friedrichsen said. “There are a lot of people in Shoreline who think the way I do but nobody says much.”
Resident Rose Laffoon, a 32nd District Precinct Officer, said she received an e-mail from MoveOn.org with details about the vigils. MoveOn.org helps members find vigils closest to where they live, she said.
Laffoon has attended other vigils organized by MoveOn.org, such as one for anti-war demonstrator Cindy Sheehan at the Richmond Beach Library.
“Is everyone here registered to vote?” Laffoon asked the crowd during the vigil. She also held a sign that read “How many more?”
Resident C Jeyabalan, a neighbor of Friedrichsen, attended the vigil because he is concerned about soldiers. He said he is upset because people have been told there were weapons of mass destruction, which he says has not proven true.
“It makes me feel very sad,” Jeyabalan said. “In my heart I think of the soldiers.”
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