WASHINGTON -- April 26 -- The Campaign for Innocent Victims in Conflict (CIVIC), the organization founded by Marla Ruzicka, the 28-year-old aid worker who was killed in a suicide bombing in Iraq this week, is calling on people throughout the United States to honor and promote Marla and Faiz's work by commemorating their life work and taking action on behalf of civilian casualties of war.

''Marla's story is one of compassion, and courage, and I think what she would want more than anything is for us to continue her mission and shine a spotlight on victims of
war,'' said April Pedersen, the US Campaign Manager of CIVIC.

CIVIC is asking people to hold vigils in their communities on Tuesday, May 3, to bring attention to civilian deaths and injuries caused by war. CIVIC is asking communities
throughout the country to create the most beautiful vigils possible, including candles, flowers, and photos, in an effort to bring attention to the immense scale of human
suffering that war brings.

''Marla was a tireless advocate for innocent victims of war, and now we have to be tireless advocates for the cause that was closest to her heart. Let's create beautiful vigils throughout the country, raise money on her behalf, and make sure CIVIC's work is continued,'' said April Pedersen.

There will also be a memorial in Washington, DC on May 14.

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