July 3 candlelight vigil: A symbol of solidarity and a call to action

I am currently in Iran, traveling with peace activists from Peace Action and Veterans for Peace. Rebecca Griffin of Peace Action West has written several interesting reflections about our trip thus far which she's posted to their blog, and are well worth reading. And with the increased tensions that emerged this week between the U.S. and Iran due to the Iranian missile test, I would like to take this opportunity to launch a new, hopeful U.S.-Iran peace initiative on behalf of the Fellowship of Reconciliation.

In his recent Norooz message, President Obama said to the Iranian people and government that both countries, Iran and the United States, must start a new relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. In a quick response from Iranian leaders both the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and President Ahmadinejad accepted Obama’s outreach but also said, “we must see the change in the American’s action not just words.”

The Fellowship of Reconciliation, in doing its best to connect the two countries and to reconcile the long time “enemies,” supports a call for U.S. changes in behavior, not only words. A first step toward such change would be a public apology for wrongs against Iran. This July 3rd is the 21st anniversary of the disaster of shooting down an Iranian civilian airplane by the USS Vincennes, a Navy battle cruiser, which resulted in the death of all 290 of the Iran Air flight #655 passengers.

After the plane crash, the American government claimed that it was a regrettable mistake but that “at first glance they thought the plane was a military plane.” The outcome was the death of 290 innocent people. U.S. military officers, including American Colonel William Rogers, received medals and commendations. There was only brief news coverage in the American media.

In Iran, however, each year on July 3rd, family, friends, and relatives of the victims of this “mistake” come together in various ceremonies on the red sands of the Persian Gulf to celebrate the lives of their loved ones. This uneasy “accident” has remained in Iranian minds and souls. A public apology would show them that we feel and share their pain. Let us light a candle in support of President Obama’s reaching out to the nation and people of Iran. Let us stretch our hands towards our brothers and sisters in Iran for a better world for our children.

People in the U.S. are preparing this week to celebrate our Memorial Day holiday next Monday, which is a time to remember those who have served our nation in war and honor those who have died. FOR invites you to join us in this Iranian memorial day commemoration by lighting a candle to show your solidarity with the families of 290 people who died in our name and by our action. On July 3, 2009, wherever you are, please light a candle in solidarity with this remembrance.