Cape Codder Newspaper Article

'Arlington East' will mark Iraqi war dead
By Marilyn Miller
Friday, August 25, 2006


EASTHAM -Cape Codders for Peace and Justice, and Veterans for Peace, Cape Cod Chapter, have revealed plans for "Arlington East" on Coast Guard Beach in Eastham Saturday, Oct. 14, to memorialize those who have died in Iraq. The plan, said Nancy Clarke, an Army veteran who holds a doctorate degree in rehabilitative services, is to place 2,700 white crosses on the beach to memorialize the American men and women who have given their lives while fighting in Iraq. White markers standing for Iraqi soldiers and civilians who have lost their lives during the war will also be erected, she said.
The groups have obtained permission from Cape Cod National Seashore to use the beach for this service.

Photo Caption >Arlington West Veterans for Peace volunteers set up help for the day in California !

"We started out with a few people, but we've been contacting organizations and veterans for peace from California to Maine, and we have a lot of support. I'm a veteran myself, having served three years with the Army at Fort Bragg in North Carolina and this is not an anti-war rally," she said. "It is not anti-anything. It's about recognizing what is going on and how war is not the answer."
On Oct. 13, a public program will be held at Nauset Regional High School in the evening, where people will have a chance to speak out and a program of international music will be offered. Then on Saturday, the group will build "Arlington East" on the beach. An inter-denominational service will be held there at noon.
"We will have some Gold Star Mothers there who have lost their children in the war," said John Bangert, who is also helping to plan the event with Clarke and other Cape Codders residents.
"This installation will be a very respectful and awesome presence for all of us to reflect on war and its cost in human assets," he said. "Please work and pray for peace now, and if you want to join us or even co-sponsor this event, please contact us." Bangert can be reached at 508-432-0545 and Clarke can be reached at 508-385-8636.
Public transportation will be available through the Flex bus to reach the beach, and the beach is handicap accessible.