The second edition of the Persian Gulf War, which began airing on television sets across the globe on Wednesday, March 19, 2003 now features a grand total of close to half a million American G.I.s fighting a war that has had a decidedly divisive effect on the U.S. civilian populace back home.

Given the quantity of U.S. troops committed to “Operation Iraqi Freedom,” it’s to be expected that members of any given community are personally affected by the war, with friends and/or family amongst the soldiers.

UMB is no different, and last Wednesday a coalition of willing Campus Center representatives braved the elements to present an outdoor showing of support for those on the frontline in Iraq. Participants tied yellow ribbons around each tree on campus grounds to symbolize the hope that all American officers return home safely, then held a candlelight vigil (moved from the central plaza to out in front of the Wheatley building because of the rain), which included a singing of the ubiquitous Bill Withers classic “Lean On Me.”

The primary organizers were Donna Galipeau and Cecilia Grear-Beasley of the Alcohol & Addiction Center, the latter of which has two sons (aged 20 and 22) currently in Iraq. Also representing campus centers were Cathi Murray (CPCS), Joseph Dwyer (Veterans’ Student Union) and Meagan Gray (Student Arts & Events Council). Estimated attendance was about 20 people, far fewer than originally expected because weather kept many away. Among those gathered, one statement, uttered by someone who chose to remain anonymous, seemed to resonate: “Whether you’re for or against this war, the sentiment [that our troops need to return home safely] is one that should be appreciated by everyone.” When asked how they would respond to the recent comments of Columbia University professor Nicholas De Genova, which called for “a million Mogadishus” (referring to the 1993 ambush in Somalia that killed 18 American servicemen), attendees chose not to dignify the statement with a response.

For those who missed this gathering, lapel pins symbolizing support for American G.I.s are available at the Alcohol & Addiction Center office (W/4/169).