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Peace vigil held in Village Square

More than 50 locals and tourists joined forces in the Village Square Sunday night for a global candlelight vigil for peace in unison with more than 6,000 similar gatherings around the world.

More than 50 locals and tourists joined forces in the Village Square Sunday night for a global candlelight vigil for peace in unison with more than 6,000 similar gatherings around the world. With temperatures bordering on bone-chilling, the group stood firm with candles in Moguls coffee cups for up to two hours. They chatted with each other and curious passers-by about their feelings on a potential war with Iraq.

"This is a very special moment where people from all over the world are thinking the same thing we are and looking for a peaceful end to the conflict. It’s truly inspiring," said Trent Yeo who made the trek from his Creekside home on crutches.

The Whistler vigil was organized separately by two passionate protesters. First, there was Vancouver businessman, Paul Needham. "I’ve been reading the website www.moveon.org for a while now and been really impressed with their encouragement for peace. I answered their call for local co-ordinators of mini protests but it was to be on the weekend I was going up to Whistler. I registered anyway and held the vigil here," he said.

Colin from Brio also answered the open call by putting posters up around town. "I’ve heard so many things about President Bush now and you just can’t trust the guy. I had to do something and as small as it may seem, I still hoped others would want to come out."

Robert Guertin, on vacation from Chicago, Illinois saw one of Colin’s posters. "We have no justification legally or morally to invade Iraq. It’s a violation of the UN and the Geneva convention," said the skier who’s been coming here for 20 years.