On the evening of Wednesday, August 17, small groups of Americans met all across the country to light candles in honor of the veterans killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. They also met to show support for Cindy Sheehan at Camp Casey in Crawford, Texas, as she petitions President Bush for a meeting, and as she demands from him an explanation of his goals and exit strategy.
There were ten of us in the City of Fairfax., not counting the several people in vehicles driving by who honked and waved in support. The vigil was non-partisan and non-accusatory; it was meant to honor the sacrifice of our war dead, to convey support to our troops, and to express our mounting frustration and dissatisfaction with the course of the war(s). Each of us had a different take on the Iraq invasion, but we were all united in our support for our children fighting overseas, and our concern for the future of our great country. Here is a list of those brave Virginians who have died in Iraq. May they rest in peace.