[Guardian (UK) - 11/26/01] Relatives of some of those killed in the September 11 attacks set off from Washington yesterday on an eight-day walk to New York to call for an end to the military action in Afghanistan.
Marching under a banner of "Our grief is not a cry for war", the relatives said that they hoped to persuade the American people and politicians that there were still peaceful ways to resolve the conflict.
Leading the walk were Amber and Ryan Amundson, the wife and brother of Craig Amundson, 28, who was killed in the attack on the Pentagon.
The walk, organised by a coalition of anti-war groups, visited the British embassy and the residence of the vice-president, Dick Cheney. The marchers will travel, by foot and bus, through Baltimore and New Jersey before arriving in New York for a rally.
Amber Amundson said: "Craig would not have wanted a violent response to avenge his death. And I cannot see how good can come out of it. We cannot solve violence with violence."
A spokesman for the walk, Danny Muller, said that although some passersby had made disparaging gestures, the general response had been sympathetic.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 24, 2001
CONTACT: Voices in the Wilderness
Danny Muller 773.447.3964
Family Members of 9/11 Victims to Lead DC-NYC Peace Walk: Our Grief is Not a Cry for War
WASHINGTON - November 24 - Amber Amundson, whose husband Craig was killed in the attack on the Pentagon, wrote shortly after the attack, "I call on our national leaders to find the courage to break the cycle of violence." Sentiments like these have come from others who lost spouses, children, brothers or sisters. This week some of these mourners are going beyond words, joining a walk that will link the two cities that were struck. Their message to all they meet as they walk or assemble along the way: Our grief is not a cry for war.
The group of survivors and friends will set off at 9 AM Sunday, November 25, from the front gates of Georgetown University in Washington, DC (37th and O Street). They will arrive the next Sunday, December 2, in New York City. In between they will walk some distances and shuttle others, stopping in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Paterson and other locations to take parts in events being organized by local churches and other groups.
Craig Amundson's brother, Ryan, will also join the walk. He states, "We don't want to see more widowed mothers like my sister-in-law, more little kids without a dad like my niece and nephew, more moms and dads outliving their son like my parents, or more brothers losing brothers like me. The current reliance on military force does not confront the political, social, and economic foundations of terrorism. By emphasizing a military solution, the United States will not effectively combat terrorism."
Buddhist and Franciscan monks will join the walk, as will leaders from various faith-based and peacemaking communities. Any persons who support a call for nonviolence are welcome to join in the walk as it moves north. On November 25, walkers will proceed to St. Aloysius Church (19 Eye Street) where they will welcome the public to a 6:30 p.m. gathering at the McKenna Center.
A large decorated school bus will shuttle walkers between cities. Daily itinerary updates available this website. This walk is endorsed by AFSC, FOR, Pax Christi USA, Peace Action USA, Veterans for Peace, War Resister's League, Voices in the Wilderness, and Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, among others.
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[updated 12/9/01]
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