Marching for Peace on Memorial Day

My son and I ended up marching with the Peace Group at the local Memorial Day parade. The sunflowers around my neck, I was told, represented what could be done with fields that are currently being used to store nuclear weapons.

People along the parade route applauded as we walked by. Well, not everyone, but enough to make us feel that people get it -- that we can support the troupes and persons who have died in the service of their country while still wanting us out of Iraq.

That is until we passed the reviewing stand. The elderly vet announcing each of the groups was at first silent as we walked by. It took a second to realize he wasn't going to announce us. Then, he said, (I swear I'm not making this up), "It's inappropriate to walk for peace in a Memorial Day parade." He added, "Not that I'm making a political statement."

Of course, he was.

But, walking for peace on Memorial Day didn't feel political -- it felt necessary. And honoring of those who had died -- and hopeful that one day we won't be sending young people off to die in countries that don't want us there. In memory and in hope.

Take a stand today against the war

Some mornings events in the world are more important than anything I can say about sexuality. (If you are looking for a wide range of perspectives on sexuality and religion, read the comments at yesterday's post.)

I watched the President last night with a very heavy sense of heart and a sense of outrage. I thought of the slogan I read somewhere, "Which part of 'we are the peacemakers' does he not understand?"

So, tonight my family and I will join others at a local protest on the steps of a local church. It's supposed to be in the local 20's. I cannot NOT be there.

To find an event in your area, go to www.AmericasaysNo.org Put in your zip code and find a place where you can tell the President that you oppose his "surge". Go to www.christianpeacewitness.org to find out about the Christian march planned for March in Washington, D.C.

This is one place where "Just Say No" is the right response.