Circle of Hope: Local vigil part of one nationwide

By GEOFF CUNNINGHAM Jr.

Staff Writer

LACONIA — The names of Afghani and Iraqi children were among those read aloud at a peace vigil on Wednesday that mourned the loss of innocent lives that have resulted from the Sept. 11 attacks that took place two years ago today.

A group of about 40 individuals gathered in the downtown area to join in a national effort being spearheaded by those who lost loved ones when planes crashed into buildings in New York City and Washington D.C.

Kara French of Laconia stands in silences as part of the candlelight vigil held downtown Wednesday night. The vigil was held as part of the "Circle of Hope" around the nation coordinated by the September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows. (Citizen Photo/Kevin Sperl)

September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows is a group whose members oppose violent reactions to the incidents that took the lives of their loved ones.

On Wednesday members of the group gathered in New York City with the aim of joining hands and completely encircling the site of the former World Trade Center. The effort was called the "Circle of Hope."

Peace advocates from this area gathered curbside in front of the former Cherry & Webb building on Main Street to support the effort and hold a vigil to pay tribute to those who lost their lives.

Karen Barker, a founder of the Lakes Region Peace and Justice Group, said the gathering was a chance for area residents to support families who refuse to hate others as a result of their loss of loved ones.

"These are people who didn’t want the deaths of their family members to be used as a justification to inflict suffering on others," said Barker.

She said the group took its name from a speech by Martin Luther King Jr. in which he stated, "war is a poor chisel for carving out peaceful tomorrows."

Barker and other have spent the last two years opposing the actions of a Bush Administration that has reacted to threats by using military force.

The group is particularly opposed to the loss of innocent lives in the Middle East that have resulted of the country’s "War on Terrorism."

Frank Allen of Gilmanton Iron Works said he feels the United States’ violent response will only encourage more attacks.

"My opinion is that he (President George W. Bush) is putting us at greater risk," said Allen.

On Wednesday the group displayed a sign that read "No More Victims Anywhere."

Peace advocates also read the names of those who they consider to be innocent victims in the attacks that happened on Sept. 11.

The names of Kathy Bantis and William Kelley, both killed in the World Trade Center, were read alongside that of Tahir Gul, a 2-year-old Afghani boy, who lost his life in the U.S. led effort to oust the Taliban government.

Supporters read the names of 10 victims each from the Unites States, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Participants also shared quotes and songs that spoke out against reacting to loss through violence.

Barker shared the following quote from famed Indian peace advocate Gandhi:

"What does it matter to the dead, the orphans, and the homeless whether the mad destruction is wrought in the name of totalitarianism or in the holy name of liberty or democracy?"

The group also stood in silence for 20-minutes using only candles to reflect their thoughts.

With two years having passed since the largest terrorist attacks in the country’s history, peace advocates say the tide of reactionary hatred seems to be waning.

"I think there are a lot of people who still believe we need to go out and get them before they get us. However, there are also many others who believe such actions is only making things worse," said Barker.

A press release from the Families for Peaceful Tomorrows indicated the group’s belief that the war efforts have only sustained the fear and panic exhibited immediately following the attacks.

The group’s place in the downtown area solicited a number of different reactions from passing motorists.

Some gave the gathering approving nods and waves, while others shouted angrily.