While President Obama calls on the U.S. Congress to support an attack on Syria, central Iowans held a candle light peace vigil, calling on the Iowa congressional delegation to oppose such action. The crowd of 175 gathered at the Peace Garden at Cowles Commons in downtown Des Moines, listening to speakers representing the Des Moines Area Ecumenical Committee for Peace, the American Friends Service Committee, Veterans for Peace, and the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. Music was led by Ann Naffier and Eloise Cranke.
Retired United Methodist pastor Chet Guinn remarked, "Tonight we exercise our citizen responsibility to do those things that make for peace by publicly letting our views be known. Prior to the 'Shock and Awe' attack on Iraq, there was a similar vigil with the same message sent to our Iowa Congressional delegation. It fell on deaf ears." Guinn, who is Peace and Justice Advocate for the Methodist Federation for Social Action, went on to say, "Maybe now is the right time to give peace a chance, rather than war."
View photos from the vigil by clicking here.
Click here for the Des Moines Register article from reporter Joel Aschbrenner.
Sponsors of the 'No War in Syria' peace vigil included the Des Moines Area Ecumenical Committee for Peace, American Friends Service Committee, Catholic Peace Ministry, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, Methodist Federation for Social Action, and Veterans for Peace.