Peace on Earth Mother’s Day Vigil Held in Regent Square

On Sunday night, the world stopped for those in attendance of the Peace on Earth Mother’s Day Vigil, part of the Code Pink progressive.

As participants stood at the corner of Forbes and South Braddock avenues on the edge of Frick Park, many in the neighborhood and driving by honked horns of approval or gestured with peace signs as they passed.

The group gathered to gain the attention of others and make their wishes known to stop all wars that are going on now and in the future. Lee Calhoun of Shaler said the group has been holding the vigil for the last nine years.

“We want them to bring the troops home and end the war so it’s over,” said Neil Santoriello, Sr., who hoped that those passing by would, “write their congressmen to bring the troops home and to take care of them once they get here.”

Bringing the troops home safely is something that Neil and his wife, Diane hold very near and dear. They have been attending this annual vigil for the past six years in remembrance of their son, 1st Lt. Neil Santoriello, Jr., who died while on his first tour in Iraq, just one week from his return date.

Diane said that it is more than difficult to watch loved ones leave home to fight the battles of the nation, but worse than long term deployment is not having our sons and daughters come home. As she says, she and her family are in the midst of her son's, “eternal deployment.”

Although the organization is speaking out for the lives of all of those affected by war, many of Santoriello, Jr.’s family was in attendance in his memory. While there, his cousin, Rosalie Santoriello, reflected back on her cousin.

“He was an Eagle Scout. A real good guy,” she said with tears in her eyes and surrounded by family still in mourning. “To me, he will forever be 24 in my eyes.”

She went on to say that he is one of many soldiers buried in Arlington Cemetery because, “he belongs with his men.”

The vigil started with words of current events and loss then turned to a group reading of the Mother’s day Proclamation. Upon completion of this reading, the "Ragin' Grannies" sang and chanted along with the group.

The group sang, “We Rage to End All Wars,” to the tune of Glory, Glory Hallelujah and “We Declare Peace,” to the tune of My Country Tis of Thee. Upon completion of their songs, the crowd joined them in singing, “We must work for peace,” before joining each other curb side to raise awareness in those driving by.

Before joining the others however, Donna Getty of Verona said, “We’ll never have peace on this Earth. We have to get together and share what we have and then there will be peace on earth.”

To learn more about this annual vigil or the goals of Code Pink, visit http://codepinkalert.org/