For Immediate Release                                                Contact:
October 25, 2005                                                    Mark Lewis (719) 471-9400
3:00 PM                                                               CSAction.org
                                                                       
Colorado Springs marks the 2,000th death in Iraq with a candle light vigil

Colorado Springs, October 25, 2005 -- In a reaction to the 2,000th US death in the war in Iraq, Colorado Springs will join over 400 other cities and towns in the nation and hold a candle light vigil in Acacia Park Wednesday, October 26, at 6:30 pm. The park is located a the corner of Bijou and North Nevada.

The vigil is organized locally by Elizabeth Fineron, Mark Lewis, and Gary Betchan and supported by the Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission, Citizen's for Peace in Space, and Springs Action Alliance, along with national groups like MoveOn.org, American Friends Service Committee, True Majority, Gold Stars Families for Peace, Military Families Speak Out, Veterans for Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War, and many others.

Saddened by the news, event organizer Mark lewis said, "We knew this day would come but it doesn't make it any easier."

"It just makes me wonder how many more will die or be wounded before this insane foreign policy is stopped."

"Every life lost has been a milestone", Mr. Lewis said, "and while this number holds a special place in the nation's heart we must remember every single one of our friends and family that have risked all for us."

In noting the upcoming indictments expected this week in Washington, Mr. Lewis said, "This policy of invasion and occupation has been a crime and now, in some small part, some of the criminals will get their just reward for exploiting our sons and daughters."

MoveOn.org has mobilized it's 3.2 million members and the American Friends Service Committee has done the same, along with Win Without War, Democracy for America, and many other national groups. Local groups in at least 414 cities in all 50 states in the US will hold candle light vigils at the same time.

The vigil will be quiet, reflective, and non-denominational. All are welcome and reminded that the vigil will be a lawful event and to practice nonviolence in word and action.

                                                                ###