Hopes for peace sustain weekly vigil
Many passersby support our banner’s message: “We walk with all those who suffer because of war.”
The Acton Peace Vigil starts its 35th year this Friday. Started in 1991 at the outset of the first Gulf War, it is a sad irony that these wars are again flaring up. We refrain from expressing political opinions on right or wrong as well as who is to blame. We just want the suffering on all sides to end. Many passersby support our banner’s message: “We walk with all those who suffer because of war.”
The vigil gathers every Friday at 8 a.m., followed by coffee at Main Streets Café at 9. We walk silently around the flagpole on Monument Square at the head of Main Street. At that hour, traffic coming through Acton is at its peak.
It can be said that walking in a circle means we never get anywhere. It certainly may seem true. It is the satisfaction that our message is seen and our hope that it is heard.
Because of the hour most vigilers are retired, no longer hurrying to work. Some supporters stop and walk a few steps. Many drivers wave or beep in support. Everyone is welcome to walk. With the passing of Carol Dwyer this winter there no longer are any original members. But hope for peace insists we push on.
Edward Larner
Elsinore Street
The author is a member of Acton’s Housing Authority and Community Preservation Committee writing on his own behalf.
