February 29th 2004
The Arlington West Memorial Project took place for the second time last Sunday at Santa Monica pier. 560+ crosses were set in the sand directly north of the pier adjacent to the boardwalk.
Veterans for Peace's hallowed ground portrayal was highly visible to the thousands who came out for a day at the beach. Each cross represents an American
soldier who has died in Iraq. The names, ages, hometowns and circumstances of their deaths were there for all to read on a plaque placed in front of the memorial. Another sign indicated that it would take the entire beach to recognize all of the
Iraqi deaths caused by the war. Throughout the day hundreds of beachgoers stopped to witness, read the names, contemplate and talk about this sad reality. Many took the time to write a card with the name of one of the soldiers and place it with a flower on a cross, few passed untouched.
adapted from Frank Dorrel essay
Arlington West takes place in Santa Monica and Santa Barbara by the pier every Sunday. Veterans for Peace plans to continue the project until American troops are no longer fighting in Iraq. AFSC provided a different depiction in Chicago.
Newswire Coverage –
February 15th thousands participate photos and video by A
Vet Memorial in S. M. photos and short video by Marcus
February 29th (Leap Day) Vets for Peace continuing the awareness project photos and audio by builder.
Motherjones Update 3/8 - A photo series that exposes all the contradictions and terrible consequences:
