As the weather turned from damp to sun to pouring rain and hail — over and over throughout the day, Portlanders marched by the thousands to demand an end to this horrible war. We all remarked to one another how we couldn’t believe that we are still having to do this — 5 years later. There is such a feeling of sadness and grief for Iraq and the Iraqi people whose lives are being destroyed.

About 20 of us from our No More Victims project marched under our wonderful new banner, made by Bonnie. The image of children’s clothes made very vivid the tragic impact this and all war has on children. The back of the large banner says “No More Victims of this Tragic War”. All around the banner we walked carrying NoMoreVictims.org “signs” — printed on children’s clothing. It was a powerful image — many asked us about the project.

This evening we met and discussed our hopes that Mustafa and his father will soon be here to be healed. We feel that being part of his care is very healing for us, as well, and one more way to say, “Not in Our Name”.

Hoping for peace from Portland,
Maxine