New Year's Day Vigil Marks 3,000th U.S. Death in Iraq
January 1, 2007 

More than 100 people braved icy streets and chilly winter temperatures on Monday for a candlelight vigil mourning the deaths of 3,000 U.S. servicemen and women in Iraq. The gathering, sponsored by the Coalition for Peace, was held along O Street at Woods Park in Lincoln. It was one of 324 events held in 46 states to express sorrow for the loss of life among both Iraqis and Americans.

Behind banners reading, “Iraq: Too Much Death, Too Much Suffering,” and “Bring the Troops Home,” the mixed crowd of young and old received an overwhelmingly positive response from passersby. Supportive honks and peace fingers were frequent.

“Wherever one stands on the current conflict in Iraq, this tragic milestone serves as a stark reminder of the great human toll it is taking,” David Orr, pastor of First Mennonite Church, told the crowd. “The brave and courageous deaths of so many raise sobering questions for all Americans. They press us to courageously ask ourselves, ‘What are we doing?’ They challenge us to bravely find a new way that will lead to peace.”

Participants took turns reading the names of the 31 Nebraskans who have lost their lives serving in the conflict. “We cannot read the names of all 3,000 American who have been killed in the Iraq war nor of the countless innocent Iraqi men, women and children who have perished. So we will honor them all by reading the names of the 31 men and women from Nebraska who have fallen,” Orr said.

Bob Boyce, whose son is a U.S. Marine who will begin his third tour of duty in Iraq later this month, said, “We honor those who’ve died, both Americans and Iraqis. Words can’t express how difficult it is for those affected by the uncertainties” of deployment and the sorrow of the loss of a loved one.

Both of Nebraska’s U.S. Senators and Congressman Jeff Fortneberry sent representatives to address the gathering.

Don Nelson, the State Director for Sen. Ben Nelson, said that it was timely that the gathering was taking place shortly before the opening of the new session of Congress. He pointed out that Sen. Nelson will be in a position to play a pivotal role in the Iraq debate as the new chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee military personnel subcommittee. “Sen. Nelson has serious concerns about the so-called ‘surge.’”

Thanking the vigilers for honoring the U.S. soldiers who have died in Iraq, Sen. Chuck Hagel’s State Director Todd Wiltgen spoke very briefly. He said that the senator’s stand on the conflict is well-known.

A letter addressed to the vigil from Rep. Jeff Fortenberry was read by his District Director Josh Moenning. Rep. Fortenberry's statement said that in Iraq “a critical re-thinking of all strategic options” is needed.

Read or view the KETV report on the event. 

Current information on US casualties may be found at icasualties.org.  Iraqi civilian deaths are recorded at iraqbodycount.org .

Coalition for Peace
contact: 402-499-6672
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