| WASHINGTON
- November 24 - Amber Amundson, whose husband Craig was killed in the attack on
the Pentagon, wrote shortly after the attack, “I call on our national leaders
to find the courage to break the cycle of violence.” Sentiments like these
have come from others who lost spouses, children, brothers or sisters. This week
some of these mourners are going beyond words, joining a walk that will link the
two cities that were struck. Their message to all they meet as they walk or assemble
along the way: Our grief is not a cry for war.
The group of survivors
and friends will set off at 9 AM Sunday, November 25, from the front gates of
Georgetown University in Washington, DC (37th and O Street). They will arrive
the next Sunday, December 2, in New York City. In between they will walk some
distances and shuttle others, stopping in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Paterson and
other locations to take parts in events being organized by local churches and
other groups.
Craig Amundson’s brother,
Ryan, will also join the walk. He states, “We don’t want to see more
widowed mothers like my sister-in-law, more little kids without a dad like my
niece and nephew, more moms and dads outliving their son like my parents, or more
brothers losing brothers like me. The current reliance on military force does
not confront the political, social, and economic foundations of terrorism. By
emphasizing a military solution, the United States will not effectively combat
terrorism.”
Buddhist and Franciscan
monks will join the walk, as will leaders from various faith-based and peacemaking
communities. Any persons who support a call for nonviolence are welcome to join
in the walk as it moves north. On November 25, walkers will proceed to St. Aloysius
Church (19 Eye Street) where they will welcome the public to a 6:30 p.m. gathering
at the McKenna Center.
A large decorated school
bus will shuttle walkers between cities. Daily itinerary updates available this
website. This walk is endorsed by AFSC, FOR, Pax Christi USA, Peace Action USA,
Veterans for Peace, War Resister’s League, Voices in the Wilderness, and
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, among others.
###
|
