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Vigil-goers
brave cold, help hope burn bright
Wednesday evening's candlelight vigil held to mourn loss
of life to tsunamis in Southeast Asia,
raised funds to rebuild region
By Peter Chee
The Daily Barometer
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Standing at the steps of the MU
on Wednesday night, Kale Clauson, a senior in zoology, observes a moment
of silence for those who have suffered from the devestating Southeast Asia tsunami. The candlelight vigil was
co-hosted by the Asian and Pacific
Cultural Center
and the Indian Student Association.
Justin Runquist
The Daily Barometer
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The base of the MU steps was lit Wednesday night by the
glow of more than 200 candles. As each candle flickered to life, it was
grasped by a student, faculty or community member who chose to endure the
freezing night, standing in solemn tribute to the thousands who died in the
Southeast Asia tsunami disaster.
The vigil, organized by the Asian and Pacific Cultural
Center and Indian
Student Association, lasted for about an hour and was held to pay respect
to those who lost their lives, as well as raise funds for the rebuilding
efforts that will continue for years.
"The events of the tsunami has
taught us many things," said Shaun Palakiko, external coordinator for
the APCC, to the gathered crowd. "The loss of life is the same in
every culture."
At the base of the steps stood a large plexi-glass
column that stood 8 feet tall. Donated cash layered the bottom. Vigil
organizers said they hoped the large container would be filled with
donations several times over for tsunami aid.
The container will be located in the MU Lounge every
school day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to bring in aid donations.
Isabel Sanchez-Saltos, who also helped organize the
vigil, said the planning had only started Monday, and snowballed into a
large effort involving APCC, ISU, International Students of OSU and the MU
Program Council.
"It's taught us a lot about how vulnerable we can
be," Sanchez-Saltos said to the crowd.
Gideon Alegado, MU business manager, stood before the
crowd and spoke prayers in both English and Filipino.
"We are diverse," he prayed. "But we are
one here. Some are here out of curiosity, [others] for concern or a noble
purpose to serve."
A prayer was also spoken in Indian by a member of the
ISA.
Although a moment of silence was observed after the
candles were first lit, silence remained an intimate part of the evening.
At one point, the program was opened for anyone to
speak. Again, silence.
Quietly, an OSU student began to speak, praying in
Spanish, her voice breaking at times.
Other Corvallis
residents followed suit.
OSU President Ed Ray held a candle in the cold as well.
"Never doubt that a few people cannot change the
world," he said, paraphrasing Eleanor Roosevelt. "I'm very proud
of the groups who organized this event -- to reach out and help."
Vigil organizers said they hoped the evening's event
would be the first of many to be held to raise funds for tsunami victims
and rebuilding efforts.
"Whatever seeds we sow [tonight] will bare great
fruit from our love and concern," Alegado said.
Peter Chee, city editor
city@dailybarometer.com,
737-2231
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Vigil-goers brave cold, help hope burn bright
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01/06/2005
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