Vigil planned for third anniversary of Iraq invasion

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(Host) Vermonters protesting the war in Iraq are gathering in Rutland on Saturday to mark the third anniversary of the start of the conflict. The gathering is one of hundreds of events planned across the country to coincide with the anniversary.

Organizer Joseph Gainza of the American Friends Service Committee says it’s difficult to tell how many people will attend the vigil.

(Gainza) “We do know several groups are organizing to get people there. It’s not a regular rally and demonstration, it’s a vigil. People usually like to come and hear fiery speakers, but this is not going to be that. Our message is going to be a quiet one, a peaceful one: we need to bring our troops now and take care of them when they get here.”

(Host) Gainza says organizers also plan to gather at the Statehouse on Monday to renew their call for the legislature and the governor to oppose the war.

Governor Jim Douglas was scheduled to return Friday night from a trip to Iraq and Afghanistan where he visited Vermont soldiers. Douglas says morale is high among the troops he spoke with.

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