Ever since Feb. 15, 2003, local residents have stood on the Messalonskee Bridge on Kennedy Memorial Drive every Sunday as a way to publicly support a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Iraq.

The March 16 vigil was planned by Waterville Area Bridges for Peace and Justice and Colby College League of Progressive Voters. It marked the fifth anniversary of the Iraq invasion and occupation.

It was also an opportunity to show support for the soldiers testifying at the "Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan" hearings (www.ivaw.org) at which they shared their experiences in the field and after their return.

We also chose to walk toward the military recruiting center to draw attention to the need for young people to get all the facts before signing up (www.afsc.org). Many join the military as our economy falters and college aid decreases. Recruitment promises are often not kept. Many returning soldiers don't get the services and benefits promised.

The human and economic costs of this war are huge and continue to mount. More than 4,000 U.S. soldiers have died, tens of thousands are injured and $12 billion each month adds to the national debt. Violence continues to devastate Iraqi people and political progress fails to materialize.

So every Sunday, we voice our opposition to the war -- an opinion held by the majority of Americans. We work for a future where conflicts are solved without sacrificing our young men and women. We invite everyone to join us on noon-1 p.m. any Sunday.

Chris Rusnov and Bob Hayes

Waterville Area

Bridges for Peace & Justice