Yakima Valley Peace Advocates Network

About three dozen people gathered Thursday night in downtown Yakima for a candlelight vigil to honor the 1,000 members of the armed forces who have died in the war in Iraq.

The hastily organized event at the Millennium Plaza was part of a nationwide effort, said Yakima resident Larry Breer, a vigil organizer and member of the Yakima Valley Peace Advocates Network.

Rather than being a protest of the war, which the group opposes, it was intended to honor the sacrifice of the soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen, Breer said.

"It seemed appropriate that we just say this is too damned bad. We're getting into a really stinky area," Breer said, noting that most of the deaths happened after President George W. Bush declared an end to major combat operations in May 2003.

Those lost include four Marines with ties to the Yakima Valley.

Members of the audience made a few brief comments and took part in a moment of silence.

Besides the military deaths, audience members said they wanted to recognize the deaths of civilian contractors for the Pentagon and the casualties suffered by the Iraqi people.

Breer said the peace network is also asking for veterans to march with the group at the Sunfair parade Sept. 25 in Yakima.

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