WDTN / Channel 2 / NBC - Dayton, Ohio
Miami Valley Residents Gather to Mark Three
Years of War in Iraq
Dated: 03/20/2006 12:33:30 AM Updated: 03/27/2006 11:00:20 AM
Sunday marked the third anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq,
and Miami Valley residents gathered to honor those who gave their
lives in the line of duty.
People with many different backgrounds met at the Cross Creek Community
Church in Washington Township. After three years of war, they prayed
no more lives are lost. They lit candles in a quiet ceremony, paying
tribute to the 515 servicemen and women from Ohio who died in Iraq.
Sue Stern's son-in-law is among the dead. She says not a day goes
by that she doesn't feel for her daughter's loss, and she prays for
the families of those whose loved ones are still in Iraq.
"It's painful not only to look at that, but the number of how
many killed, how many families have had to go through it since my
son-in-law was killed," Stern said.
Ohio's Eyes Wide Open exhibit was on display, marking the third anniversary
of the start of war in Iraq. Combat boots represent each soldeer who
lost his or her life.
"Instead of waiting for the war to be over like Vietnam, we thought
it was important to know the human cost of the war as it was progressing,"
said Beth Lerman of Military Families Speak Out.
Inside the church, speakers of all ages reflected on the cost of war.
Chase Sterling served in the Army for seven years. She spoke about
her fellow soldiers who didn't come home, including her friend Matt
Maupin.
"We can honor the soldiers that did die for us in respectful
way and just hope and pray for the ones who are still overseas,"
Sterling said.
With candles in hand, they honored those who made the ultimate sacrificed,
and prayed that on the fourth anniversary there aren't any more boots
to display.
The Eyes Wide Open exhibit will be seen again in the Miami Valley.
This group is also planning more events, including a Mother's Day
trip to Washington, D.C.
