Merriam Park Neighbors for Peace is a grassroots group of neighbors from the Merriam Park neighborhood in St. Paul, Minnesota, and surrounding neighborhoods in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Twin Cities suburbs, who came together in February 2003 to share information and speak out with a unified voice against the war on Iraq. We are dedicated to pursuing peaceful, non-violent alternatives in every area where conflicts arise, promoting social justice and tolerance, conserving natural resources and the environment in which we live, and protecting human rights and civil liberties in Minnesota, the United States, and the rest of the world.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Panel Presentation: The Effects of U.S. Sanctions on Iraq, Iran and North Korea

Monday, December 10, 2012

Candlelight Vigil: Seeking Two Million Friends to End the War in Afghanistan

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Human Cost of War Noted on Iraq War's 4th Anniversary

Eyes Wide Open Minnesota
Monday, March 19, 2007
Noon–4:30 p.m.
Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda

St. Paul, MN – March 14, 2007 – On the fourth anniversary of the onset of the war in Iraq, Crocus Hill/West 7th and Merriam Park Neighbors for Peace are bringing the Eyes Wide Open Minnesota exhibit to the Minnesota State Capitol.

As the Iraq War enters its fifth year, Minnesotans are taking time to honor those who have died, and to contemplate the human cost of war. The Eyes Wide Open Minnesota exhibit presents a memorial to those who have fallen and a witness to the belief that no war can justify its human cost. It includes a pair of boots for each Minnesota soldier killed in Iraq, shoes representing Iraqi civilian casualties, and a visual display showing the human costs of war to our communities.

The Eyes Wide Open Minnesota exhibit will be on display on Monday, March 19, from noon until 4:30 p.m. in the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda.

Noon–12:30 p.m.: Opening ceremony featuring Minnesota State Senator Becky Lourey.

12:30–4:00 p.m.: Reading of the names of the 3,100+ American casualties and Iraqi civilian casualties, led by Minnesota state legislators.

4:00–4:30 p.m.: Closing ceremony featuring Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, Professor of Peace and Justice Studies at the University of St. Thomas.

"The Eyes Wide Open Minnesota exhibit can unite us," says Anne Benson, one of the event's organizers. "All Minnesotans, regardless of their opinion about the war, can join in a tribute to those who have given their lives."

"The tragic loss of human lives is the main focus of the Eyes Wide Open exhibit," adds Linda Winsor, another exhibit organizer. "In addition, the exhibit points out other costs of the Iraq War to our communities. Every dollar spent on this war is a dollar not being spent on health care, education, veteran services, and other human needs in our state."

The Eyes Wide Open Minnesota event is being sponsored by Merriam Park Neighbors for Peace and Crocus Hill/West 7th Neighbors for Peace. Co-sponsoring organizations include American Friends Service Committee, Veterans For Peace – Chapter 27, Women Against Military Madness, and Military Families Speak Out Minnesota.

Contact

Linda Winsor: (651) 224-6004

Anne Benson: (651) 657-0580

E-mail: march19@mppeace.org

Web: www.mppeace.org/march19

Merriam Park Neighbors for Peace and Crocus Hill/West 7th Neighbors for Peace are community-based organizations that formed in 2003 in response to the Iraq War. They sponsor film screenings, speakers, vigils, demonstrations, and other events and activities related to peace and social justice issues.

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