Peace activists in Meadville PA and Dunkirk NY will be marching in the
Memorial Day parades of those communities. Below are messages from
their organizers about participating in those events:

MEADVILLE Women in Black/Vets for Peace
Dear Friends,
This year will mark the fifth year that Meadville's Women in Black and Veterans for Peace have marched in the annual Memorial Day Parade.

And what a five years it has been. In year one, we had to fight resistance to even be allowed to participate. But we prevailed and carried over 75 gold star service flags to honor and remember those who have died in the war on Iraq and to remind our friends and neighbors of the human face and cost to this war. Some folks in the crowd booed us and others turned their backs.

By last year we were over 100 strong, and sadly many of us had to carry more than one flag in silent procession as the war casualties grew. But instead of being greeted with disdain, many in the crowd clapped as we passed silently by, and others joined us as our presence in Diamond Park was a visible reminder of growing opposition to the war and the tragedy of even one more death as it is carried forward (click here for photos of participation in 2008 parade: http://www.flickr.com/photos/51091877@N00/sets/72157605729460791/ ).

This year the Pennsylvania casualties has grown to over 190 and now more than ever we need you, your family members, your friends to join us as once again we bear witness against this war and to honor and remember those who we have already lost.

We will assemble on Terrace Street (near old County Market), downtown Meadville PA, on Memorial Day, May 25
at 9:30 a.m. The parade steps off at 10. We will walk to Diamond Park and place our white gold star service flags on a stand that will be located near the courthouse. If you cannot walk with us, we would love to have you in Diamond Park (next to where our flags will be displayed) awaiting our arrival.

In peace,
Marcia Metcalfe, WIB
Sandy Kelson, VFP

Sanford Kelson, 8231 South Canal Road, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316 814-382-4887 Cell: 412-310-8007 Email: sandkel@hughes.net

~~~

DUNKIRK - Center for Peace and Justice & Memorial Day Parade
As in the past, Dunkirk Fredonia Center for Peace and Justice plans to participate in the Dunkirk Memorial Day Parade. The sickness, travel and aging of many long-time participants, however, makes it imperative that we know how many will march with us this year.Those who plan to walk with CPJ should call Joan or Rod Houck at (716)673-9258 and leave a message to let CPJ know if they are marching.
Joan and Rod must know if there will be enough marchers to carry our banners and allow us to participate.
Marchers will gather at 10:30 AM on Monday, May 25 in Dunkirk’s Memorial Park across from the Pizza Village.
After the parade CPJ will hold its annual picnic meeting at Point Gratiot park ( http://www.rtpi.org/point-gratiot-park.html ).
Please bring a dish to pass.
http://dfcpj.com/events