Easter at Crawford, TX: The Journey Begins

I'm back. And I am inspired.?

This past Wednesday evening, I traveled from Fort Wayne, IN to Crawford, TX along with fellow peace activist, Bruce Hall. The nearly 17 hour journey led us to an amazing week-end where I met hundreds of others who made the trip from all over the country.?

(The gentleman to the left of me in this photo is Carlos Arredondo,

a father who lost his oldest son "Alex" in Iraq - you will see his story later.)?

Over the next few days, there will be several great stories from Camp Casey II as I recount so many beautiful souls and wonderful stories.

To be able to spend so much quality time speaking to people who are not only living historical figures, but also genuine patriots of this country. People who love this nation so much, they are willing to dedicate their life's work to making this a safer world for all of us.?

When we arrived at the Crawford Peace House, it was after 2:00PM in Texas. I walked through the gateway arch and was greeted by a lovely older woman who directed us to sign the guest registry while she gave us a general synopsis of the events scheduled for the week-end.

(The young lady standing next to me is Carly Sheehan, Cindy's oldest daughter)?

I walked past the little cottage by the railroad tracks and entered the garden area. I saw three people sitting on a swing. Both men extended their hands in friendship and the woman came over and gave me a big hug and said, "welcome home". I looked at Cindy Sheehan and told her I had never been in Crawford before. "That doesn't matter," she said, "our home is your home."

After spending an hour getting to know the dozens of people who were strolling through, Bruce and I followed the shuttle over to the main camp site, "Camp Casey II". There was a huge canvas tent set up near the corner of the lot that was donated to the cause by dedicated volunteers that help out every chance they get. Surrounding the tent were around thirty to forty camp tents, a kitchen tent, port-o-potties and a field of crosses bearing the names of some of the soldiers who have fallen in Iraq.?



During the next three days I had the opportunity to speak to several fathers and mothers of men who died for Bush's failed attempt to be a glorious war president, I was able to spend quality time speaking with Cindy Sheehan, Billy Mitchell, the man who leaked the Pentagon Papers - Daniel Ellsberg, former board member of the SCLC - Rev. Peter Johnson, Carlos Arredondo, co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and

dean of the civil rights movement - Rev. Joseph Lowery, and so many more wonderful and dedicated people.?

(photo from left to right, Robert Rouse, Rev. Peter Johnson, Rev. Joseph Lowery).

Over the next few days, I'll relay the tales of my amazing journey into the heart of Bush country - the conversations, the speeches, the arrests of the Prairie Dog 14, the counter demonstrations, the music, the amazing Easter Sunrise Service and other goings on at our end of Prairie Chapel Road.

Peace!?

PS. While I have video to share with you later, the flash card in my camera had a serious format error and I was unable to take any more shots. However, several people have provided me with the images you will see. The three shots above are courtesy of Tina at Tina's Corner Cafe. I want to thank Tina and all the others who have made these photos available.