Anti-war vigil unites protesters in Orono

ORONO – A light wind off the Stillwater River bridge Wednesday night caused many candles to flicker, but the 20 or so people who turned out for a vigil in support of Cindy Sheehan said their support would not burn out so easily.

The gathering was one of several across the state and across the country to rally behind Sheehan, who has set up camp outside President Bush’s Crawford, Texas, ranch.

Sheehan is protesting the death of her son, Army Specialist Casey Sheehan, who is one of more than 1,800 American soldiers who have been killed in Iraq.

“There are probably as many of these vigils across the country as people who have died,” said Al Larson of Orono, president of the Bangor chapter of Veterans For Peace. “[Sheehan] has sort of focused everyone who is against the war. No matter the outcome [in Texas], she wins because she has brought the issue to so many people.”

“She’s striking a chord with people,” said Ron Warner of Bangor. “An individual going up against an administration … she’s defenseless. That shows a lot of courage, and I think that’s the attraction for me.”

Vigils also were planned Wednesday in Belfast, Camden, Pittsfield, Rockland and in many other communities around the state.

The small group that lit their candles along the Stillwater River bridge in Orono said turnout there was strong despite little publicity.

“It’s not just Cindy Sheehan,” said Doug Allen, a University of Maine professor. “She’s just a good example of what’s been building.”

Allen and several others were happy to spend an hour Wednesday supporting something they believed in, but they also said an important voice was missing: the voice of youth.

“I think if it doesn’t affect them directly, they don’t care,” said one woman who did not wish to be identified. “Younger people are more materialistic today.”

But for the older generation represented Wednesday – many of whom remember more heated protests during the height of the Vietnam War – the honking horns of cars driving by was reason enough to be there.

“For all of us who are here, we represent a lot more who are not,” Nancy Larson said.