A withdrawal that takes three years is too long to wait. Let’s speed up the timetable, and let’s begin the healing and rebuilding.

Vigil Organizer Toolkit

 

Suggestions for Vigils

If you plan to host or attend a vigil you may be interested in using some of these resources or suggestions.

Reading of the names

Download a list of all U.S. casualties to read aloud at your event. We suggest alternating U.S. names with Afghan names.
Download list of U.S. casualities
Download a list of Afghan civilian casualties

Origami gold stars

Gold stars, the symbol for lost soldiers, can represent our desire for peace and commemorate those who have been lost.

Instructions available here

Other items for display

  • Candles or luminaries
  • Flags

Note about candlelight vigils

A candlelight vigil is a both a powerful statement and easy to organize. The vigil builds power from its simplicity and show of solidarity. Organizers should bring extra candles and lighters.

Also, download and print out signs and posters for your vigil goers. That will help passersby know why you are at the vigil.

We recommend a vigil last for about 45 minutes. You could discuss this with your group members and decide together on an amount of time before the start of the vigil.

Some candlelight vigils are silent. Most are quiet, followed by a prayer or song.