Vigil generates support for dead soldier's mother

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/localnews/current/ba/08-25-05-669662.html

"This is a gathering to support the mother of a fallen soldier and her agonizing questions: Why did we go to war? Why did they die? And when are they coming home?" Island Lake resident Jean Paskalides told a crowd of about 50 people bearing candles to support war protester Cindy Sheehan Aug. 17.

Sheehan became a familiar face on the evening news after launching a vigil Aug. 6 outside President Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas, voicing opposition to the war in Iraq. Sheehan's son, U.S. Army Spc. Casey Sheehan was killed in Iraq in 2004 -- one of more than 1,800 American soldiers killed there since the war began in 2003.

Island Lake resident Pat Raymond said she came to the rally because of her admiration for Sheehan's determination to meet with the president.

"She set fire to the country," Raymond said. "In a way it's mind-boggling. I couldn't be anywhere else tonight." Raymond said she had protested the war before it started, as had several others in attendance.

"I was afraid this (war) would happen Vietnam-style," she said.

Protesters argued that the loss of life for both Iraqis and Americans is reason enough to end the war.