Students, faculty and community members opposed to military action against Iraq are invited to join other students at 5 p.m. on Mondays in the Library Quad to express their beliefs through nonviolent means.

Ryan McClure, a junior art major, organized a 24-hour hunger strike and Peace Walk two weeks ago. The walk drew a large crowd of participants who walked from the the peace pole of the Newman Catholic Center to Old Main and back again the next night. The peacemakers were lead only by the sound of a peace drum and the light of candles. McClure said the vibe that night inspired him to to take the peaceful protest to the next level, and hold a weekly event to spread peace on a long-term basis.

The high turnout of the first peace walk proved people are against war and for peace, and he said the vigil can act as a good outlet to express ideas.

The first vigil was held last Monday, and McClure hopes attendance will grow as word spreads around campus.

“I’d like to see more people come out,” he said. “People shouldn’t be afraid.”

Similar peace vigils were held in 1991 during Desert Storm as a protest against the war, and McClure thought the vigils were a good way to raise awareness and bring people together.

The vigil includes reflection and readings that inspire peace and McClure encourages participants to come to share their ideas, thoughts and beliefs about military action. Participants will also be updated week to week on recent developments in the Middle East.

The peace vigil will last about half an hour, but may escalate or change depending on attendance and the situation between Iraq and the United States.

“Everyone who was there was there because they believe in non-violence,” he said.