Casey Crough
Staff Reporter
“War Freed Slaves, Saved Jews”, “Imagine War”, “Imagine Peace”, “God Bless the Military and Their Just Mission”, “Peace is Patriotic”, “Give War a Chance”, “Vote for Peace” and “If You’re Not Standing Behind Them, You’re Standing In Front of Them.”These slogans and signs are just a few that are held by peace and war supporters, who are divided by Main Street in front of the public library. Both groups line opposite sides of the street the second to last Saturday of each month; each group wants the war to end, but each has very different views on how to get there.
The protesting first began with the peace supporters. The leader of the group for peace, Margaret Jones, began protesting in 2004. She stands in front of the library with fellow peace supporters. Why does she stand in protest?
“Because Bush was elected and because of the invasion of Iraq,” said Jones.
When the peace supporters showed up, Yvonne, another local of Westminster, wanted to do something, since her son, Joshua, is currently fighting overseas; Yvonne started protesting for the war in 2007. She asked for her last name to be anonymous.
“We support the troops because war is sometimes necessary,” said Yvonne. “My son feels disappointed in the people across the street.”
Both peace and war supporters are involved with other organizations to help their cause. The war supporters work with “Free Republic” and “Gathering of the Eagles.”
The peace supporters are involved in a group called “Women in Black and Friends,” which began with a network of women in Israel.
When questioned if students should become involved, Yvonne feels that it is the student’s choice, and that the troops would appreciate any support.
“Students should only participate if their heart is into it,” said Yvonne.
On the other hand, the peace supporters would love to see the passion of the youth get involved. “I would get involved because I’m a very big advocator for peace, and we’ve hit a big time in America,” said Annie O’Grady ’11.
“They are the future, and I’m doing this for them,” said Jones.
Both groups want to reach everyone.
“If I can get the citizens of Westminster– just one person to think about peace for half of a second, all of my Saturdays out here are worthwhile,” said Jones.
When Yvonne’s son was enlisted, she wanted to make an impression and reach out to the public.
It appears that most students in the McDaniel community are unaware of these protests.
“I think it would be fun to go observe,” said Zander Roell, ’11. “I don’t really know anyone involved in the war. Both groups have valid points and a right to display them.”
“The supporters have the right to do whatever they want. I joined the Army to fight so that people can have their rights,” said Arturo Abreu, ’10, a member of ROTC.
Both groups want the war to end, but cannot seem to work together to make their message heard. “Not once have they ever asked why we are here,” said Jones.
“Peace is a wonderful thing,” said Yvonne, “but it’s not a reality all of the time. It hurts to see them over there.”
For more information about both groups and their peaceful protests visit: www.freerepublic.com, http://gatheringofeagles.org , www.womeninblack.org . Both groups welcome participants to join them on Main Street every second to last Saturday of each month, in front of the public library.