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BANGOR — University of Maine students and citizens were urged to walk Saturday for what the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine called “the need for real security” and to commemorate the Sept. 11 attacks.
The walk, which started at Davenport Park in downtown Bangor, covered three miles to Eastern Maine Medical Center and back. The participants — armed with signs, guitars and drums — sought to draw attention to what they feel is a need for greater security.
“We should think about the lessons of 9/11 every day. Especially on 9/11, but those insecurities still exist today in a number of different ways,” said University of Maine professor of philosophy Doug Allen. “Not only concerning national securities but more importantly individual securities that help to make the country stronger and safer overall. Things like affordable housing and health care, a more sustainable and cleaner environment, as well as more foreign policy that focuses on conflict resolution, among other things.”
The walk gathered at Davenport park, located next to the Bangor Area Homeless shelter, where Allen gave an address.
“We have chosen this starting point to cite a need for more affordable housing and we will travel to the Eastern Maine Medical Center to draw attention to the need for health care reform,” Allen said.
Following the address, Judd Esty-Kendall, a representative for the Maine Coalition to End the War in Afghanistan and a sponsor of the event, led the crowd in song with his guitar. As the crowd followed along, they sang, “We ain’t going to let them turn us around, we ain’t going to let those politicians turn us around.” Signs could be seen swaying over the participants, which included phrases such as “health care not warfare,” “U.S. out of Afghanistan” and “clean air and water.”
“The students I talk to are very smart and they are concerned about the magnitude of these types of issues, but I think they are a little cynical. They’re not very happy; they often feel alienated about the process, as if no one cares. That isn’t the case at all. Events like these offer them a way beyond their studies to get active and participate,” Allen said.
Ilze Petersons, an events coordinator at the Peace and Justice Center said, “The center is a great way to involve yourself. We offer volunteer opportunities, a film series and we also contribute to a lecture series at the university.”
Adam Goode, a former UMaine student and state representative for house district 15 of Bangor, represented the Maine People’s Alliance at the event.
“I just want students to know that when some of us suffer, the rest of us are worse off, and we are stronger together than when we work alone. By getting involved in these types of events it makes a difference in our own lives and the livelihood and security of the country,” Goode said.
“Students are key; they are No. 1 in leadership. All of these issues are sure to affect them heading into the future. Soon it will be up to them to work for fairness, respect and security for all,” Allen said.
