Iraq Memorial to remember fallen soldiers

The fifth anniversary of the beginning of the war in Iraq will be remembered in a memorial service from 5 to 6 p.m. today in Union Square. The service, hosted by Emporia State’s Young Democrats is meant to serve as a reminder to students.

“In an election year, we tend to forget about Iraq,” said Rachel Reeves, senior political science major and Young Democrats president. “It is a huge national issue that affects our lives. This is a way to bring focus back.”

The candlelight vigil will not include speakers or lecturers. Organizers hope, rather, that students will take the opportunity to come and discuss the war. Students are encouraged to come and go as their time permits. Candles will be provided for students to hold in to represent lives lost in the war. There will also be luminaries and flags surrounding the vigil to symbolize the fallen. Each flag will represent 100 soldiers.

According to Reeves, the absence of speakers allows students to more easily and readily communicate with each other regarding the war. Reeves also stressed that getting students to converse on the topic is an important aspect of the event.

The event is non-partisan and is meant to give students an opportunity to remember those who serve in Iraq. The organizers will provide information on the current status in Iraq as well as postcards to various governmental representatives asking to end the war, but stress that these materials are optional.

“We don’t want to shove this down anyone’s throats,” Reeves said. “If anyone wants to use them, they are welcome to.”

Planning for the event started back in the beginning of the academic year. According to Reeves, the Young Democrats wanted to create an outlet for students to remember the war in both semesters. The organization held a protest against the war in Union Square in the fall.

Last semester’s event was specifically geared for those who did not agree with the war. Following the protest, the organization wanted to have an event that could bring in people with varying views. The vigil came about as a way to recognize and remember those involved in the war as well as a way for students to connect on the subject.

“It is a personal thing,” said Annabel Osburn, junior social sciences major and vice president of Young Democrats. “There are no speakers so students are encouraged to speak to each other instead of having someone speak to them about what is going on.”

One major reason the organization decided to hold the vigil is that they feel there was a need for one.

“I think there are a lot of people who care about issues like this but they don’t have a lot of options to talk about it,” Osburn said. “People don’t have a lot of time to find options and this is a way for them to remember those who served.”