Silence of the Dead, Voices of the Living
May 2006

Photo: Terry Foss / AFSC See a slideshow of the Washington, DC events. See a zoomable photo of the exhibit.

For four days in May, AFSC’s Eyes Wide Open exhibit anchored a witness for peace on the National Mall in Washington, DC, called “Silence of the Dead, Voices of the Living.” During the four days, AFSC and several partner groups sponsored a march, speak out, speaking events, an advocacy day, and a worship service on the Mall and around the district.

On Saturday, a silent march with hundreds of military families, veterans, Iraqis, and peace supporters proceeded from the exhibit to the foot of the Capitol building. We were all united in our call to bring the troops home now.

“We are here today to stop these deaths from happening and pledge that we will keep on working for peace until the war ends,” said Mary Ellen McNish, AFSC’s General Secretary.

On Friday, May 12, AFSC joined with Friends Committee on National Legislation in coordinating an Advocacy Day for those who came to Washington to share the experience of the human cost of war with their Congressional representatives. Later that day, we joined with Black Voices for Peace in sponsoring the well-attended event, “Iraqis Speak,” a discussion with three Iraqi civic leaders. The Iraqis shared their experiences with war and occupation and their hopes for the future of Iraq.”

“Silence of the Dead, Voices of the Living” was sponsored by AFSC, Gold Star Families for Peace, Gold Star Families Speak Out, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Military Families Speak Out, September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, Veterans For Peace and Vietnam Veterans Against the War.

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Washington, D.C.
January 17 (MLK Day), 2005