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Dueling Iraq war protests in the US stay silent

Jeff Broderick, foreground, of Lewes, Delaware, stands alone in support of US troops as demonstrators for peace occupy a corner in the background on May 20. PHOTO: NY TIMES NEWS SERVICE

No one talks, but a lot is said at the intersection of Savannah Road and Kings Highway.

Every Sunday, rain or shine, for over two years they show up here, nod to each other politely across Savannah Road, and they stand motionless for 45 minutes like sentinels. They differ in politics but share a faith in the power of silence.

On one side of the street, Jeffery Broderick stands alone while he holds a sign.

"Their only plan is to cut and run again. It never ever works," his sign says.

On the other side, Patricia Kirby Gibler stands shoulder to shoulder with dozens of others, staring toward Broderick and silently holding small cardboard posters with black numbers.

One poster states: "3,415 American Dead." Another reads: "70,023 Iraqi Dead."

For Memorial Day weekend, one peace protester broke the silence on Sunday afternoon to read the names of soldiers killed in the last week.

Supporters of both sides in the debate over the war in Iraq have gathered here every week at the busiest intersection of this tranquil shore town of about 3,000 residents, since September of 2004. In January an additional group began congregating in silence on a third corner, their signs calling for the president's impeachment.

They stand just 56km from Dover Air Force Base, the arrival point for the bodies of soldiers shipped back from Iraq.

But in this state, which has suffered a disproportionate number of war casualties, these protesters bring as much civility as fervor to this intersection of public opinion.

"I have the utmost respect for him and his persistence," said Kirby Gibler, looking across the street at Broderick.

Broderick conveys a similar respectful steadfastness.

"They're good people," he said before taking his position. "We just don't happen to agree."

The peace vigil began in 2004, then a group of counter-protesters began convening across the street. At one point, fish guts and manure were strewn along the grass.

"It was unnecessary," said Broderick, who emerged from the group and moved about 3m away until the winter weather drove the rest of them indoors. Most weekends he stands alone.

Now, between 1pm and 1:45pm on Sundays, one of the few sounds to be heard here is the occasional toot of a passing car's horn.

"I think we all agree that silence leaves space for contemplation, and we want to remind people of the sacrifices being made in the war," Kirby Gibler said.
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