STONEWALK 2004: BOSTON, MA to NEW YORK, NY.

August 14th
By Daniel Jones

August 14 – Today I was antsy to do a real stonewalk day. We had a couple easy days in a row, so I was restless to get back to the usual routine. We had a big group of people at the stone, including Zach, Dylan and Bronagh Jones and Colleen Kelly. When we gathered for a safety talk for the new pushers, I noticed that the mayor was speaking on her cell and reading out of Portraits. She was reading to her police chief the piece written about his cousin. She was tearful and moved by the interaction with the chief and by the presence and meaning of the stone. The mayor joined us for the morning moment of silence. She brought us the name of her chief’s cousin. We remembered him and the chief as we walked. The mayor and two squad cars escorted us out of Middletown to the Durham line.

We had heard about the hurricane that devastated Florida. The forecast called for it to bring heavy rain and high winds to New York and Connecticut. We decided to go as far as we could today in order to take Sunday off and still be able to get on schedule for Monday into New Haven. Most of the walkers decided to go with us the whole way. It was an impressive testament to the meaning of this pull for those in the communities through which we pass. We were joined by several other people as we made our way. A woman from New Haven drove up Rt. 17 until she found us. A man named Tony came running out of his yard to join us stating, “I’m for the war in Iraq, but I’m concerned about civilians. I have to push.” He also pressed his son Nate into service. Another man who was friends with Tony made arrangements for us to park at the fire house in Northford. The owner of a convenient store on Rt. 17 gave us free drinks and ice cream for the kids. This was the second place today we received free water. People waved and cheered as we went by.

We had gone a long way already. When I clocked it in the car on the way back, I saw we had gone 11 miles by the time we got to the convenient store. But we had new people who were very enthused about pulling. We decided to go to the second firehouse in the center of Northford. When the day began, I told Meg Scata, our regional organizer, that we would go past Durham and towards Northford for the day. I knew it was too far for us to make it in one day, given our 10:30 start and contingent of children. We made it to Northford, over 15 miles later, due to the incredible support and involvement of people in the communities. The kids spent the whole day with us alternating between riding and pulling. They also did their share of leafleting. Bronagh found herself in charge of the lollipops – not surprising. She and Dylan also helped Loretta and me as we alternated piloting the caisson. Colleen’s sister Maureen picked up the kids at the end of the trek.

When we got back to Middletown, we made logistical arrangements for all who needed a place to stay. While we were discussing the New York events with Colleen, Bev Titus called in response to a message I left her. I was able to share with her the powerful experience of meeting Marilyn Trudeau. Amy Jarret’s mother (Amy was Alicia Titus’ colleague on Flight 175). One thing that keeps striking me is the importance of knowing not only that our loved ones were not alone at the time of death, but to know the families of those with whom they died. Bev told us all she and John are coming to NYC on the 28th.

Several of us then went to the beautiful home of Betty Whitehead for a delicious dinner and a couple well earned beers. It was over 15 miles, but it felt like an easy 15. I at first thought it was due to lack of killer hills that we had earlier in the week. However in writing this, it was the energy and involvement of the community that lightened the load. Although part of me felt like I wasn’t working hard enough, with this time to reflect I realize that this is what needs to happen. This cause of civilian casualties and senseless cycles of violence has to be taken up by all who can in the communities. I might feel like I am not doing as much and therefore not enough, but to think now of all the help we had yesterday and the enthusiasm of witnesses and walkers, I understand that it is what the stone is doing. I will miss pushing on Sunday. It was to be the second day Colleen and I could pull together and involve our kids. But after 18 days without them, working together today was a gift.