Longer than the Korean War. This War has been going on for what seems like ever. We moved (back) to the beautiful state of Maine over 3 years ago from Richmond, Virginia. We were there in the run up to the war. I spent days on the MoveOn help desk and it kept me so busy helping others that it probably saved my sanity. (maybe)
Wwe also kept vigil with Larry Syverson, a father of two soldiers who were either in Iraq, in Kuwait, or coming back. Larry and a number of others would stand outside the federal courthouse at noon every day. Larry has a state job and is one ofthe nicest people you will ever meet. A true gentleman. His poster of choice was two 10x13 photos of his kids in full military dress with the caption "Oil is not worth my sons Blood"
The war went on, we moved and Larry changed the vigil to weekly. We kept in touch sporadically....
At first the vigils attracted a dozen or so supporters but as time went on it dwindled to just 4-5 and some days Larry was alone. At the beginning we didn't get many 'honks for peace' and a few fingers and looks of disgust. After all, this is Richmond, Va (home of {Philip Morris). But, as time went on, one could sense the tide turning. People stopped and talked, we got more honks. One of his boys came home and Larry's face just looked better. No one who does not have a child in harm's way can truly understand the constant pain and reminders. For Larry to maintain this vigil and involvement is remarkable.
I forget what happened but at a certain point Larry was all over the media for a week or two as a parent with kids in Iraq. He kept his cool, was soft spoken, earnest and compelling. I bet he changed minds.
We corresponded some and I was greatly relieved to hear both sons were home. He almost came up to Maine for a vacation and we almost got together. That didn't happen and we lost touch until today. Today I received an email from the Va anti-war group as follows:
I just wanted to send out a reminder to everyone that Larry Syverson continues his weekly Friday vigil outside of the Federal Courts building in downtown Richmond to bring the troops home now and end the War in Iraq. As you may or may not know, Larry's son (Bryce) has been redeployed back to Iraq and is currently on the Kuwaiti border awaiting orders to join his unit which is presently engaged in an offensive in Ramadi. You may also recall that it was Bryce who spent a month at Walter Reed hospital last year for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder after returning from combat in Iraq during his last tour of duty there. To add insult to injury, Bryce has already completed his "time" with the military, but has being redeployed under "stop loss" orders.
The Virginia Antiwar Network supports Larry in his ongoing vigil by coming out to stand along side of him on the last Friday of every month. This coming Friday is the last Friday in June and I encourage you to come out during your lunch break to stand with us in front of the Federal courthouse to show our opposition to this immoral and illegal war. Larry generally has a couple of extra signs (as will I) if you need or feel like holding one. Details are below ..
Bring the Troops Home & End the War in Iraq
Date: Friday, June 30th
Time: 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.
Occasion: Show of support for Larry Syverson's continued weekly vigil to end the war in Iraq and bring the troops home now. Larry has 2 sons who have served in Iraq, one of whom is headed back to the "front line".
Place: In front of the Federal Court Building on Main Street, near the intersection of 10th & Main.
What to Bring: Your good self and a poster (or Larry and I will have a couple of extras to hold).
Besides appealing to any VA Kos readers to go and stand with Larry, I hope someone puts Larry on Jim Webb's radar screen. Larry is the very definition of a patriot and I'm sorrowful beyond words at what has happened to him and his family. He talked so happily of his sons and for Bryce to be back there, well, it goes without saying; It's a Crime.
So please, if you can, go stand with Larry this Friday and take a sign. Tell him Phil and Cel share their tears and steadfast support. This War on America must stop and we will prevail. The cost is high. i'm beyond words. Thank you for reading