The weekly South Florida vigil began with a Mom, or perhaps two.  For Susan Caruso, a local mother of two sons, August 13, 2005 was the day she decided to take a stand against the war in Iraq.  Through MoveOn.org, Susan was able to host and cultivate an evolution towards peace. 

The Boca Raton mom was inspired by the life story she shared with Cindy Sheehan.  Each parent had insight into how unity evolves.  These mothers can attest to the fact, an intangible such as love [or harmony with our fellow humans] is felt.  The bond between a parent and a child, Casey and Cindy or Susan and her sons, is as imperceptible as growth.  They were not alone.

Many Americans, countless people throughout the country and the globe experience as Cindy Sheehan and Susan Caruso do.  If we are to conclude the combat, we must come together as one. 

One-by-one, residents of Boca Raton and the surrounding areas signed up for the first demonstration in the neighborhood.  The event was held on the grounds of the Universalist Fellowship on Saint Andrews Boulevard.

Jill and Scott Liberto saw the online notice and registered to attend.  Mike and Suzanne Budd, with a click of the mouse responded to the request for a vigil.  Nancy Parker also appeared at the MoveOn website and at the original sunset vigil - as did hundreds of other participants. 

In a desire to be seen, heard, and in hopes of spreading the grassroots movement, the assembly traveled down the sidewalk to the corner of Glades Road and Saint Andrews Boulevard.  Steps from a busy shopping mall and business center, the assembly could and did make an impression.

Those who were there on that August evening felt a need to continue.  The energy, the exchange of ideas, the meaning, the message, and the memorial seemed essential to those who were at the early vigil.

A weekly Saturday event was scheduled.  At noon, those who wish to honor the soldiers and stand for tranquility gather at the intersection.  Over time, more individuals flocked to the crossroads.  E-mail addresses were exchanged.  Nearly four hundred persons have submitted a request to be kept informed of any local actions.

The Liberto's made signs to pass out to interested residents.  The Budd's and numerous others brought their own banners.  In time, the corner grew, as did a desire for world peace.

Now, the roots are firmly planted at the Boca Peace Corner.  Regular attendees such as the Budd's, Edgar and Ami Ahn, Dina Hefferman, Debra Leisten, Jerry Rabinowitz, Nancy Pawlowski, Betsy L. Angert, and Joe Goedereis stand and await what they cannot imagine.  Each converses with passers-by and learns of how the battle abroad affects every individual.

Demonstrators wave, and extend digits in a sign of peace.  Travelers reciprocate reverence.  Peace grows large.  More and more people are moved as Susan Caruso was.  United in a cause, those who covet global harmony, come out of their cars, or gesture from within.  At the Boca Peace Corner, local residents take a stand.

Written by Betsy L. Angert

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