Candlelight Vigil Attended by Hundreds in Salem (VIDEO)

Veterans were joined by mothers, fathers, grandmothers and other family members of those serving overseas.

One of many who attended Salem's candlelight vigil Both photos by Bonnie King

(SALEM, Ore.) - Hundreds of thousands of Americans gathered last night to honor and pay respects to all who have fallen during the last five years of fighting in Iraq. In Salem hundreds attended a candlelight vigil on the state capitol steps.

This woman's son is on his fourth tour in Iraq with the Army.

The event was hosted by MoveOn.org and other activist groups. People in attendance burned candles, sang songs and stood together in a show of solidarity.

A diverse group in Salem probably served to represent the faces of those visiting similar events in other parts of the country.

Veterans were joined by mothers, fathers, grandmothers and other family members of those serving overseas. In addition to peace activists, union workers and other walks of life were represented.

Others attending the event say it is also the right time to move toward overall solutions as Americans see five years of war pass.

One group that made a big showing at last night's event was Silverton People for Peace. Karen Aranas says they were very busy five years ago as many people at the event were, trying in vain to prevent the war in Iraq from beginning in the first place.

One member who talked to Salem-News.com says there is some hope five years in, that the notion of our troops coming home could happen soon. Another veteran protester from the Vietnam War says things are worse now than ever before. Others cited the good that might have been accomplished if our forces had remained exclusively in Afghanistan where terrorist cells had proved to be serious problems in the world.

Margaret Strong with MoveOn.org, says the most important thing is for all Americans to be on the same page when it comes to recognizing the loss associated with the war in Iraq.

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The video below was shot and produced by Salem-News.com's Tim King, courtesy of YouTube:

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