September 11 survivors lead peace walk
Amber Amundson, whose husband Craig was killed in the attack on the Pentagon, wrote shortly after the attack: "I call on our national leaders to find the courage to break the cycle of violence." Sentiments like these have come from others who lost spouses, children, brothers or sisters. This week some of these mourners are going beyond words, joining a walk that will link the two cities that were struck. Their message to all they meet as they walk or assemble along the way: Our grief is not a cry for war. The group of survivors and friends set off at 9am on Sunday, from the front gates of Georgetown University in Washington, DC. They will arrive next Sunday, December 2, in New York City. In between they will walk some distances and shuttle others, stopping in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Paterson and other locations to take parts in events being organized by local churches and other groups. Craig Amundson's brother, Ryan, will also join the walk. He states: "We don't want to see more widowed mothers like my sister-in-law, more little kids without a dad like my niece and nephew, more moms and dads outliving their son like my parents, or more brothers losing brothers like me. The current reliance on military force does not confront the political, social, and economic foundations of terrorism. By emphasizing a military solution, the United States will not effectively combat terrorism." Buddhist and Franciscan monks will join the walk, as will leaders from various faith-based and peacemaking communities. Any persons who support a call for nonviolence are welcome to join in the walk as it moves north. A large decorated school bus will shuttle walkers between cities. This walk is endorsed by many peace groups including Pax Christi USA, Peace Action and Voices in the Wilderness."