 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2003 (XXXXI 1) |
Quaker women hold a peace vigil outside the Pentagon, headquarters of U.S. armed forces.On October 20, cars full of vigilers arrived at the Pentagon parking lot from around the East Coast. Quakers from Philadelphia, Baltimore and New York Yearly Meetings met and formed a peace vigil on a grassy area near the side of the Pentagon that has undergone repair since the devastating hit on September 11, 2001.
We were 140 women and a handful of supportive men, who held a quiet vigil in prayer and hushed conversations for about four hours. Friends held signs including "Quaker Women for a Culture of Peace. Peace. No Iraq War. Try loving your Enemy."
The vigil was co-sponsored by the PYM Women's Gathering Group. We came to the Pentagon out of a lengthy process of prayer, sisterhood, communications, and extended meetings for worship. We continue to hold in the light a prayer that women, all Friends, and all humans may be guided in the ways of compassion, truth, and peace for the whole circle of life.
We discovered that our vigil permit was for the same grassy area where memorials still stand, honoring those who died on 9/11/01. On this hallowed ground we stood, praying for peace. We walked in a circle every hour, to benefit our legs. We felt the warmth of the love brought by dear Friends, on a cold day, and we felt the mutual support among Quaker women, men, and non-Quaker women, all moved to join the vigil. At closing we made a small circle and sang, prayed and shared.
Peace begins at home: in our hearts, communities and meetings. We extend to you, Friends of our Yearly Meeting, a vision of peace's presence by the giant Pentagon building. We wish to bring you one image of Friends gathered. We pray that each of us may grow in the spirit and make creative links in our families and Meetings. May we listen for love and compassion, for truth and even for the lively, "What's Next?"
Gail Newbold
London Grove Meeting (PA)
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM
