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Iraqi War Dead Honored in Two Day Vigil

Macomb, IL – An open space on the Western Illinois University campus has been transformed into a space filled with American flags. The display came to life over the course of a 34-hour vigil held to honor the soldiers and citizens who've died as a result of the war in Iraq. The name of each American soldier killed was read during the vigil. A small American flag was then placed in the ground and a minute of silence was observed. By the end of the vigil, more than 2,000 flags filled the campus commons area behind Stipes Hall. Graduate student Jason Reitz organized the vigil. He was helped by volunteers throughout the event. Reitz believes the vigil got people thinking about the Iraq war and it honored those who've lost their lives. Listen to Rich Egger's feature about the vigil by clicking on the audio button above.