The Iraq Memorial to Life is on its way. The vision is of a memorial to Iraqis who have been killed as a result of the violence of the war. Planners intend to bring the memorial online in stages, starting with regional displays, which will then be moved to a national memorial on the National Mall in Washington D.C..

It's an important project. Although the war has wound down some, people are still dying. And it's no less important to remember all of those who have been killed, and those who have lost loved ones as a result of the war. Conservative estimates peg the war dead at around 100,000. Other scientific estimates, which take into account unreported deaths, range up into the 1.4 million range. It's an impressive toll for 8 years of war.

It's easy to feel removed and distant. But these deaths are real. The dead deserve to be acknowledged in a meaningful and respectful way. The path of healing necessitates awareness and consciousness. What are the true costs of the Iraq war? This project will help to aid in the realization of the true costs of the war...

Those who died are more than "collateral damage." They were human beings with feelings, families, dreams and aspirations. I welcome you to get involved in the Iraq Memorial to Life. iraqmemorialtolife.org

Here's more information about the project from one of its principle organizers:

The Iraq Memorial to Life (IMtL) is being born because you—and your organizations—have been working hard for peace, and to preserve the earth, its inhabitants.   

A powerful visual image of gravestones, will be erected here in Olympia on March 20, the anniversary of the US attack in Baghdad. 

Special guests will join us to launch the project on the evening of the 19th.  Markers will then be shipped to Washington D.C. for a collective display on the National Mall between April 17 and April 29.    

Thousands of memorial markers, carefully arranged, will powerfully bring home the full extent of Iraqi deaths to the American public and its legislators. The grieving that has long been a daily part of Iraqi life will be memorialized in our town, and spread outward, community by community, as the display moves across the country. Reactions to both regional and national displays will bring attention to the human suffering caused by the Iraq war.   

We need your help to build this memorial for the American public to see. IMtL is asking you to encourage volunteers and peace groups to take the lead in creating a local display.  

Complete instructions on how to make and mail the markers can be found at IraqMemorialtoLife.org.  Many will want to work together to both make markers, and research the deaths.  Individual statements honoring Iraqi lives lost, including poetry or artwork, may be submitted separately.  A representation of individual tributes will be posted on our website.  Be sure to visit the Links page to learn about and support the non-profit organizations offering reparations.   

We ask a minimum $5 contribution to help us cover costs, both locally and in the larger display in DC.   

Thanks to our advisors and our national sponsor, the Fellowship of Reconciliation.  Key supporters include:

• Unitarian Universalist Service Committee,
• Veterans for Peace, and
• American Friends Service Committee (AFSC).

Please visit our website iraqmemorialtolife.org for more details and contact Kerri Griffis at kerrigriffis@yahoo.com  if you would like to be a student or community group coordinator.  Send questions to peace@iraqmemorialtolife.org.

Also, you're welcome to contact me if you have any questions, if you want more details, or if you would like to know more about how to help with the project. - Berd