War protestors gear up
January 19, 2007 at 3:52 pm by Web Editor in NewsGeorgians in several parts of the state will hold local antiwar protests, after-church peace vigils and lobby their congressional representatives the week of January 19-26, according to a press release issued by the Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition. Many will subsequently join a national antiwar march and lobbying effort in Washington, D.C., Jan. 27-29. The message: "The people have spoken: Bring the troops home now."
Twenty-four Georgia events are confirmed, and others are still being planned. These run the gamut from the first antiwar protest in Stockbridge to the weekly Stand for Peace rally at Atlanta’s Colony Square, which is now in its fifth year.
"The grief experienced by our citizens, U.S. troops and their families and unknown numbers of Iraqis because of President Bush’s invasion compels me to speak out," says Mary Jacqueline Adams, organizer of Stockbridge’s first protest. "It’s difficult to express how deeply I feel the unbearable sorrow of those suffering the tragic consequences of this unnecessary war."
The fourth annual Marietta Square Vigil is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. For information contact Tim Franzen at 404-414-5521.
On Saturday, Jan. 20, protestors will gather in Decatur at the DeKalb Farmers Market from noon to 1 pm. The vigil will be led by veterans, and will be on the street outside the market. Contact: john.zientowski@turner.com.
On Sunday, Jan. 21, faith vigils will be held at churches in Atlanta, Decatur, Cobb County, Augusta, Brunswick and Sautee-Nacoochee. "Those of us who believe in Christ as the Prince of Peace are aghast at the loss of lives in Iraq," says Anne Sayre of North Decatur Presbyterian Church. "We also grieve for the needy in our country because many programs which help them have been cut back to fund this senseless war."
On Friday, Jan. 26, Georgians will board one or more chartered buses at the Perimeter Mall MARTA station around 8 p.m. for an overnight trip to what is expected to be a massive march in Washington on Saturday against President Bush’s plan to escalate the war in Iraq and, many fear, into Iran and Syria as well. Some will return to Atlanta after the march, while others will stay in Washington to lobby their representatives on Monday, Jan. 29.
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