Last night, people across the United States participated in more than 1,500 candlelight vigils calling for an end to the occupation of Iraq. The vigils were called by Cindy Sheehan who is continuing her antiwar protest outside of President Bush’s property near Crawford, Texas. Here is the mother of a soldier who was wounded in Iraq, speaking at a vigil in Washington DC.

• Gilda, mother of soldier wounded in Iraq:
  “What is unforgivable is that you betrayed our idealistic American sons and daughters who trustingly placed their lives in your hands. we, their mothers, will not let you move on with your life.”

One mother of a soldier who served in Iraq, speaking in Washington DC. Meanwhile, in Crawford Cindy Sheehan has been joined by a growing number of people at her protest and has now begun setting up camp on the property of one of President Bush’s neighbors who offered his land to Sheehan. Among the people joining her are several parents of soldiers killed in Iraq, as well as Minnesota State Senator Becky Lourey, whose son died in Iraq, as well as FBI whistleblower Colleen Rowley—who is running for Congress in Minnesota. Former CIA analyst Ray McGovern is also in Crawford and many more people are expected to pour in for a rally planned for Thursday evening.

• Cindy Sheehan:
  “Our spirits are always good here at Camp Casey ’cause we feel the support of everybody around the world.”

Gaza Withdrawal Continues
Now to the Gaza withdrawal. Israeli soldiers have begun dragging Jewish settlers out of one of the most hardline settlements in Gaza on the second day of forced removals. At daybreak, thousands of troops moved in on the isolated central Gaza settlement of Kfar Darom. Troops are also facing resistance from another large crowd holed up at a synagogue in Neve Dekalim. More than half of the 21 Gaza settlements were cleared on Wednesday. Israeli officials say the mission is going faster than expected and may be over within days, instead of the scheduled six weeks.