“In memory of David W. Johnson, Oregon National Guard, killed in Iraq September 25, 2004 and all of the fallen, civilian and military.” These words are written in black Sharpie on the bottom the “Camp David” banner at the Federal Building in downtown Eugene.
The “Camp Casey” takeoff attracted more than 50 people for a 49-hour vigil starting Sept. 8 to honor David Johnson and his parents Steve and Michelle Deford. Intended to raise awareness of the war and call for immediate troop withdrawal by delivering signed petitions to Sen. Ron Wyden’s office, vigil gatherers expressed their disapproval regarding Iraq by waving rainbow-striped “PACE” flags and signs reading “Wake Up Wyden,” “Stand Up Smith” and “Stop the Killing, Bring Home the Troops Now!””There are instances of resistance and vision all over the world that the media doesn’t cover,” Eugene resident Kate Savannah said, “but that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.””I think there’s a lot of fear being promulgated at various levels of government,” she said, referring to passers-by who – often vulgarly – expressed dissent.Although the two-day vigil ended Sept. 9, the Justice Not War Coalition will continue to organize similar events throughout the year. For more information visit www.justicenotwarcoalition.org.

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