Iraq Prayer Walk & Vigil

On Saturday, 21st March 2009 Christian Action Against Apathy (CAAA) will be leading a one hour walk starting at the Parthenon Building in Centennial Park at 11:00 am. The walk will proceed along Broadway, 7th Avenue and on to the Legislative Plaza. It has been a year since the CAAA team and concerned members of the public held a prayer walk and vigil to mark their acknowledgment of the ongoing sacrifice of troops billeted to Iraq and the massive loss of life on both American and Iraqi sides.

Since the war began in March 2003, around 31,054 American troops have been wounded both in combat and during daily duties, a toll that continues to climb. There was much anticipation for the new administration’s promise to withdraw most of the troops through a 16 month phased procedure. However, it is now becoming apparent that things may in fact take up to 19 months now, with 30,000 to 50,000 U.S. troops to remain posted in the Middle East a little while longer.

When we consider that for the first time since the war began the number of American Servicemen and women committing suicide has matched that of American civilians, we are reminded that the wounds are not only physical. And perhaps more sadly these figures do not even take into account the Iraqi deaths, which are said to range from 90,777 to 99,120.

It is with this information and knowledge that CAAA has partnered with The Anchor Fellowship Church, which is located on 3rd Ave South in downtown Nashville, to pray for and remember those who are suffering, whether they are in the field or the families who have been left behind. Some may argue this is too much politics for a church or anyone to get involved in. However, it is not policies and strategies that are being highlighted here, but the human cost to yet another prolonged, mindless and bloodthirsty war. This Walk of peace is open to all, regardless of religious or political beliefs.

CAAA is associated with The Anchor Fellowship, located in downtown Nashville. 629 3rd Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37210. Call (615) 733-0522 for details. For more information about this and other CAAA events, please visit the Christian Action Against Apathy website at http://ctriplea.org.