On October 25th, Army Staff Sgt. George T. Alexander, Jr., aged 34, died of wounds that he received when he was fighting in Iraq. Two other soldiers' deaths were also announced the same day, bringing the total number of US soldiers killed to 2,000. Several national anti-war organizations called for demonstrations to be held on the day after the official 2,000th death of an American soldier in the current Iraqi war and occupation. Some 600 vigils took place in 49 states on Wednesday, October 26th including several in Northern California

In Oakland, Veterans for Peace lit and launched 2000 candles on Lake Merritt Tuesday evening. Photos: 1 | 2
In Berkeley, a 40-foot banner that read "Out of Iraq Now" was held over I-80 before sunrise on Wednesday. 60 people went back to the bridge Wednesday evening to light candles in memory of people killed in Iraq. Photos: 1 | 2
In San Francisco, a vigil was held in front of the Veterans Building Wednesday. Photos
In Santa Cruz, more than one hundred people gathered at the Clock Tower Wednesday evening. Photos
In Fresno, two vigils were held Wednesday to honor those who have died in Iraq. Photos

Vigils were also planned for Claremont, Cupertino, Gilroy, Half Moon Bay, San Jose, and Sunnyvale. Info about these vigils and more can be found in the AFSC's list of over 400 local vigils all over the US

No demonstrations have been called for any landmarks in numbers of Iraqis killed during the war, but Iraq Body Count says that between 26,600 and 30,000 Iraqis have died. The Cost of War website says that over $203,009,000,000 has been spent on the war. ICasualities lists the names and numbers of US soldiers who have died. There are no statistics for the number of soldiers who were injured in Iraq, or who committed suicide after returning to the US.

2,000 deaths pre-announcement | United for Peace's General 2000 Deaths Flyer | UFPJ Flyer with Space for Local Info | Peace No War Network | United for Peace andJustice | American Friends Service Committee | Gold Star Families for Peace | Military Families Speak Out
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