Citizens Stage Silent Vigil For Peace In Berlin

BERLIN - Military veterans and longtime activists came together in front of the Atlantic Hotel in Berlin Monday night on the fourth anniversary of the Iraq war to hold a vigil for peace.

'We were here when they started the war,' said Navy veteran Don Ward, who served on a fast attack submarine, the Nautilus, in the 1960s. 'That's why we're coming back.'

Other veterans echoed the same sentiments.

'We want peace,' said Dick Weaver, a veteran of the Air Force.

About 30 people gathered with signs and candles for an hour on Monday evening to show their support for peace in Iraq.

'It's not political,' said Weaver.

Others reiterated the gathering was not intended to make any political statement.

'It's apolitical,' said Ward. 'It's a silent vigil for peace.'

To some, vigil organizer Lisa Petrilli comes from the other side of the coin, with a history of peace activism stretching back to childhood.

'I've been protesting since I was seven years old. I protested with my parents against the Vietnam war,' she said, holding a neon yellow sign reading, 'Let's try peace and justice.'

Petrilli organized a vigil in the same spot in front of the Atlantic Hotel four years ago, when the U.S. invaded Iraq and the war began. With the fourth anniversary approaching, she decided that she and her husband would hold a vigil Monday night even if no one else came.

'I've been against the war since the very beginning. We're going into year five. The war just needs to end. We need to bring our boys home,' Petrilli said. 'I feel very strongly war is not the answer.'

Peace protesting in Worcester County is not limited to the anniversary vigils. A handful of anti-war activists venture out to the Route 50 Park and Ride every Friday between 4:30 and 5:30 to peacefully protest.

'All summer, all winter,' said Millie Ward. 'We've had some cold days. We're very committed.'

They urge cars to honk if they agree that the Iraq war needs to end. Ward said that the small group gets a lot more positive than negative feedback.

'A year ago, it would be one out of 100 [cars], now it's one of 200,' he said of negative responses.

The activists have captured the attention of drivers in the area. 'I think some people actually look for us,' said Ward.

Not all of them are on the same page with the protesters, but there have been few confrontations.

'Sometimes people will stop and want an argument but it's just peace we're seeking,' said Marge Sebour. 'Sometimes people stop and ask questions. We just really believe in the peace movement.'

Others say the peace movement has gained momentum as the war continues.