FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STONEWALK USA 1999:

Why a memorial stone for civilians killed in war?

Civilians die in action as surely and as finally as any soldier. They also die from the consequences of war: shattered infrastructures, poisoned water and land, abandoned land mines and other ordnance. Civilians deserve to be remembered. By honoring slain civilians, we understand and acknowledge the gravity of war and the full extent of its cost. With that acknowledgment comes an ever deeper reverence for those in or out of uniform who paid the cost with life itself. The victims offer us an opportunity for reflection and transformation. Acknowledging what has transpired, we may yet imagine alternatives for a better century, and weave an intricate web of loving kindness. In the words of poet Stanley Kunitz, "To whom can one pledge one's allegiance except to the victims?" That is, to those who speak in silence, on behalf of our children and of ourselves.

Why A Civilian Memorial at Arlington?

Simple acts bring healing. The placing of this simple stone in a quiet space within the Arlington cemetery may open up a space within the heart. Those who visit will be moved by what they see: the sea of headstones, the stately somber buildings, this simple memorial. And when they leave, the memory of this place will help them to renew their commitment to those ends desired by soldiers and pacifists alike: freedom, justice and peace. Soldier and civilian die together. At Arlington National Cemetery, together, may we remember them.

Isn't Arlington National Cemetery just for the military?

Over 200,000 Americans are buried within the grounds of Arlington Cemetery's 612 acres, including generals and privates, presidents, politicians and civilians. Arlington National Cemetery is primarily a burial ground for the military, but contains memorials to civilians as well. One of the more recent is the Memorial to the Challenger Space Shuttle victims, which contains the combined remains of the seven crew members, including Christa Mc Cauliffe, our nation's first civilian teacher to be launched into space.

Has the permission been granted for the Memorial Stone to be installed at Arlington National Cemetery?

The Memorial Stone is being offered as a gift, and STONEWALK is the journey to bring this gift of honor to Arlington National Cemetery. In this spirit, we are not asking permission to present this gift. There is a place at Arlington National Cemetery for the Memorial Stone, and the best place is outside the Amphitheater near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Two of the co-sponsoring organizations, Veterans for Peace and Women's Action for New Direction, are working with legislators to obtain an Act of Congress allowing the Memorial Stone to be placed in Arlington. So while approval has not yet been received, we are proceeding with full confidence that our government will honor the civilian victims at Arlington National Cemetery.

Which wars are referenced by the Memorial Stone?

The Memorial Stone is for Unknown Civilians killed in all conflicts since the beginning of our nation. This includes all armed conflicts fought without the official declaration of war, as in Korea. The victims began with the Native Americans, and sadly continue today in Iraq and Kosovo. It is important to remember that the destruction of wars continue for years after the hostilities cease, through direct means such as abandoned land mines as well as the diseases and despair from shattered families and infrastructure.

Why was Muhammad Ali chosen to unveil the Memorial Stone?

Muhammad Ali has dedicated his life to promoting world peace and social justice, and has made numerous international peacemaking trips since his days as the heavyweight champion . He is committed to making the world a better place for children.

Why unknown civilians? Didn't their families know and bury them already?

Just as there are remains of soldiers that are not able to be identified after a conflict, civilians have been killed without their remains being identified. Families are displaced and the survivors may not know the whereabouts or details of their deaths. Mass graves of unidentified bodies exist all over the globe. The Memorial Stone provides a place of reflection for us all.

Are there remains of civilians buried with the Memorial Stone?

No civilians remains are interred with the Stone, which stands as a symbol for their deaths.

Why now? Is there a reason STONEWALK will happen this summer?

This year brings to close a century of wars that is unparalleled in world history. In this century of two world wars, nuclear armaments and other weapons of mass destruction were used with terrible consequences for civilians. Bombs are being dropped on Yugoslavia, and civilians are being systematically targeted by troops. Tragically, civilians unknown to us are being killed every day. We need reminders to realize the lessons of history. Now is the time to recognize the true cost of war.