Jen's Green Journal

Received this in a recent email:

THE UTAH PREMIERE OF
A SOLDIER'S PEACE: One Veteran's 500-mile Journey Into Activism.

WHERE: Wildcat Theater in Ogden, Utah
WHEN: Saturday March 8th at 4:30 pm

"We finally finished our documentary of Sgt. Marshall Thompson's 500-mile walk through Utah. We were able to interview peace activists Martin Sheen, Cindy Sheehan, Daniel Ellsberg, M.C. Hammer, Rocky Anderson, and many more. The film explores the cost and effectiveness of peace activism, apathy regarding the war, and the role of women in the movement, among other things. You can check out the trailer at www.soldierspeace.com.

Our documentary is screening at festivals throughout the country, but we're most excited about the Utah premiere because we hope to be joined by the people who made this walk possible. If you walked with Marshall, you may be in the film. You can purchase tickets at the door, or on-line HERE. If you're not in the area, and would like to organize a screening, e-mail us.

If you would like to carpool with people from your area, please e-mail us with relevant information (where you live, if you need a ride, or if you can drive, etc.) and we'll put you in touch with other interested people.

Thanks again for your involvement in Marshall's walk in fall of 2006. Hopefully you can be a part of our Utah premiere, as well."

photos I took during the Salt Lake leg of Marshall's walk can bee seen here: 1 2 3 4
 

Marshall is now over half way through Utah. He's had quite an adventurous walk which you can follow on his online journal. Thursday seems to be the most harrowing day of all -- my stomach just about dropped throught the floor when I read the first paragraph:

"I thought the walk might be over today. Yesterday, my wife found a lump on our 13-month-old daughter’s neck. She took her to the doctor and they thought it might be cancer. An ultrasound today made it seem even more like cancer, so Kristen took Eliza to a specialist this evening. Thankfully, he said her blood count doesn’t look like cancer. She’ll be treated with an antibiotic for tens days. If there’s no improvement, the doctors will remove the lump and do a biopsy. Although it now appears that she will be fine, all day I couldn't help but contemplate the worst.

I called Kristen and told her I thought I should come home. But Kristen is stronger and smarter than I am and she said I should keep walking until we know for sure what’s going on. I agreed, but I still felt guilty. I wasn’t there for Eliza’s first 11 months of life. Now I’m not home to
comfort and help my wife during this trial."

Marshall plans on ending the walk November 1at the Utah-Arizona border For those that can't be there but would like to show their support, you can participate in Balloons for Peace

I've been following Sgt. Marshall Thompson's walk through the state of Utah through his journal. He was having some serious issues with pain in his feet, but things seem to be on the mend.

I walked with the group from the Capitol until 4800 South where we had lunch at the Grecian Gardens. By the time we got to 4800 S. I was very sore from the waist down -- likely due to the fact that I'm overweight and underactive in daily life, so I didn't continue on. When the group resumed the walking there seemed to be about 20 people. I'm not sure how many joined at other points along the route, which ended Saturday at 9400 S.

Lunch at the Grecian Gardens

Marshall, Kristen and Eliza waiting for lunch

From Marshall's on-line journal, Day 6, October 7, 2006:

"We stopped for lunch at the Grecian Gardens and the proprietor was kind enough to host the large group of wet protesters.

For the rest of the day, people came and went, but there was always a sizable group. About ten stalwarts walked all 18 miles with me. It was amazing. One was a 65-year-old grandma who carried a sign that read, “grandma for peace.” She planned on walking 21 blocks, but stayed with us the whole way. I’ve walked over 100 miles now, and I’ve never walked alone.

After the walk, we went to a potluck dinner organized by our friend LeAnn. There was wonderful food and wonderful company. I returned to our hotel room convinced, now more than ever, that there are tons of good people out there. What a great world."

<At the head of the group

about the middle of the group

More of the walkers

the back of the walkers

From Marshall Thompson's on-line journal, Day 6, October 7, 2006:

"On the way, we met a former Army ranger who was in favor of the war, although he admitted to me later that he did think the U.S. should leave at some point. Excellent, I said, let’s start talking about plans for withdrawal. In the end, we agreed more than we disagreed. He walked a long way with us and by the time he left, he was one of the gang. He was even annoyed when a young kid in a uniform told us we were all pieces of crap. (I cleaned it up a bit)."

Eye Wide Open Exhibit

Mohammad Ahmed Age 4 From the Eyes Wide Open exhibit

from the Eyes Wide Open exhibit

Eyes Wide Open Exhibit at Washinton Square

Eyes Wide Open Exhibit

From Marshall Thompson's on-line journal, Day 6, October 7, 2006:

"We got a lot of rain, but people just kept coming to walk. We stopped in front of the Salt Lake City office building to look at the Eyes Wide Open display of boots and shoes representing those who have died in Iraq. The Department of Peace set up the exhibit and it was very touching."

Marshall asked us to think of the boots and shoes as belonging to someone we knew as we walked throught the exhibit.

Marshall Thompson and his wife Kristen

Marshall with the Utah Veterans for Peace The Utah Veterans for Peace made Marshall and honorary member

My little one at the Capitol My hubby and little one were able to join us for the first bit of the walk.

Pete Ashdown Senate candidate Pete Ashdown at the Capitol. Pete walked with us for a bit.

From Marshall Thompson's on-line journal for Day 6, October 7, 2006:

"About 60 people showed up this blustery morning on the capital building steps to start the walk. Aaron Davis and the Veterans for Peace pinned me with a button and declared me an honorary member. It was an honor. I then tried to read a prepared statement, but I didn’t do too well. It was good to get the walking started, I’m better at walking than speaking."

I thought Marshall did an excellent job at speaking myself.

At the Utah Capitol -- A Soldier's Peace Just before starting out on the Salt Lake Valley leg of Marshall Thompson's walk. Photo by cameragirl84109

I'll be posting more photos later today. It may take a while since I have dial up internet service.

I'll be joining the walk with Sgt. Marshall Thompson today ( A Soldier's Peace ). I plan to start out at 8 am at the Capitol and walk to at least 4800 S., and hopefully farther.

The walk is scheduled rain or shine. Hope to see everyone there!