Stonewalk

The toll of war
By AMY L. ZITKA , The Herald Press 08/01/2004

Peace activists and family members of victims killed in terrorist attacks will be pushing and pulling a heavy burden to make people aware of a lesser known toll of war -- the civilian cost.

Participants are pulling a 1,400-pound granite memorial on a caisson between Boston and New York known as Stonewalk 2004. The memorial -- honoring the "Unknown Civilians Killed in War" and looking like an immense tombstone -- will be making its way through upper Middlesex County later this month.

Meg Scata, of Connecticut United For Peace, is coordinating a portion of the route between Willimantic and Durham. The walk, which began July 26 in Boston will end in New York City on Sept. 2, is sponsored by the September 11th Families For Peaceful Tomorrows.

Scata is contacting the various towns seeking local support for the walk, which will be coming into East Hampton on Aug. 12. The walk continues the following days into Portland, Middletown and Durham. The participants will walk the stone out of Durham into Northford on Aug. 15. The participants walk approximately 10 miles per day, Scata said.

"They push the stone from town to town hoping a church or civic group provides a venue for them to talk about peace," she told the Durham Board of Selectmen recently.

The Boston-New York trip happens to coincide with the political nominating conventions. The Stonewalk began in Boston during the Democratic National Convention, and is expected to wind up during the Republican convention.

The non-partisan statement is one acknowledging the civilian victims of war, terrorism and violence worldwide.

"Eighty percent of casualties of war are civilian deaths," Scata said. This includes World War II through acts of terrorism within the past three years including the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in the United States, the Madrid bus bombing and nightclub attack in Jakarta, she said. "It’s not a casual off-the-wall thing. It’s a message of peace."

The stone is on a rolling caisson which has positions for approximately 18 people to push the stone, Scata said. Several members of Sept. 11 families will be walking with the stone, she added.

First Selectwoman Maryann Boord suggested a few potential contacts that could host the Stonewalk and possible activities when it comes into town.

Scata added when the Stonewalk comes into Middletown, activities have been planned to take place on the South Green.

To contact Amy L. Zitka, call (860) 347-3331 ext. 211 or e-mail azitka@middletownpress.com.