Mount Rainier residents hold peaceful protest of Iraq war

Community gathers to recognize fifth anniversary of conflict

That was the sentiment shared by members of the Mount Rainier-based Neighbors United for Justice and Peace as they silently protested the war in Iraq five years after the day when U.S. soldiers were first sent into the country. The members have peacefully protested the war every year since it began in 2003. Similar protests were held elsewhere in the county March 19.

‘‘It’s just a way to remember, because a lot of people forget [about the war],” said Joe Robbins of Mount Rainier.

Members gathered in a circle holding candles, singing songs about peace and justice and sharing their thoughts on the war.

‘‘I spent today thinking about not only this war, but all war and how horrible fighting and violence is to solve problems,” said NUJP member MJ Park of Mount Rainier as she held her candle. ‘‘I’m grateful today to have this light to light the way for people.”

Members of the group held signs that said things like ‘‘Out of Iraq,” ‘‘Let’s say no to all war” and ‘‘Honk to end the war,” eliciting honks from many of the cars passing.

‘‘Judging by the votes of the drive-by honkers, we should have this [war] wrapped up in no time,” Mount Rainier resident Brian Higgins said.

According to military statistics, 4,000 soldiers have died since the start of the war. An estimated $12 billion is being spent monthly in Iraq.

‘‘I can envision spending money in other ways like health care or education,” Robbins said.

NUJP was created in 2001 shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

‘‘We knew there would be a backlash against the Arab community. And then after [the war began in] 2003, we began attending rallies and marches. We also hold film series with discussion and get together to see what people are doing to spread peace and justice in our own unique ways,” Robbins said.

According to the group’s list serve, NUJP is a group of residents in Prince George’s County concerned about the current war in Afghanistan and Iraq but more so of the need for an overall system based on justice, peace, kindness and full rights for all the world’s peoples.

Robbins said the group has supported a variety of issues including rights for immigrants, supporting victims of Hurricane Katrina and the Jena Six and a number of environmental issues.

‘‘I believe that every little action we take to stand for peace plants seeds [in other people],” NUJP member Patience Robbins of Mount Rainier said.

For more information about Neighbors United for Justice and Peace or to join their list serve, visit http:⁄⁄groups.yahoo.com⁄group⁄Neighbors_United_for_Justice_and_Peace.

E-mail Maya T. Prabhu at mprabhu@gazette.net.