Day 6

October 7, 2006

About 60 people showed up this blustery morning on the capital building steps to start the walk. Aaron Davis and the Veterans for Peace pinned me with a button and declared me an honorary member. It was an honor. I then tried to read a prepared statement, but I didn’t do too well. It was good to get the walking started, I’m better at walking than speaking.

We got a lot of rain, but people just kept coming to walk. We stopped in front of the Salt Lake City office building to look at the Eyes Wide Open display of boots and shoes representing those who have died in Iraq. The Department of Peace set up the exhibit and it was very touching.

On the way, we met a former Army ranger who was in favor of the war, although he admitted to me later that he did think the U.S. should leave at some point. Excellent, I said, let’s start talking about plans for withdrawal. In the end, we agreed more than we disagreed. He walked a long way with us and by the time he left, he was one of the gang. He was even annoyed when a young kid in a uniform told us we were all pieces of crap. (I cleaned it up a bit).

We stopped for lunch at the Grecian Gardens and the proprietor was kind enough to host the large group of wet protesters.

For the rest of the day, people came and went, but there was always a sizable group. About ten stalwarts walked all 18 miles with me. It was amazing. One was a 65-year-old grandma who carried a sign that read, “grandma for peace.” She planned on walking 21 blocks, but stayed with us the whole way. I’ve walked over 100 miles now, and I’ve never walked alone.

After the walk, we went to a potluck dinner organized by our friend LeAnn. There was wonderful food and wonderful company. I returned to our hotel room convinced, now more than ever, that there are tons of good people out there. What a great world.