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Sebring Vigil Addresses Peace

By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: November 3, 2007

SEBRING — Six local dignitaries, officials and clergy spoke during a peace vigil on Thursday night at the Circle.

Many in the crowd, which grew from 100 at the vigil's start, arrived early for the Heartland Idol competition, which followed the rally. The 10-member sponsoring organization, Peace of Highlands County Inc., was well represented.

Catherine Blumenthal, president of Temple Israel, talked of love and read from the Bible.

"We live in two worlds," said Blumenthal. "The one that is and the one that might be."

Mayor George Hensley said that rather than thinking of peace, people often think of war.

"It's not just anti-war," said Hensley. "We certainly desire peace within our streets, schools and community. What are we doing to promote peace?"

Mary Adams, president of Peace of Highlands County, told the crowd about the changes, while she considered the current population of 300 million Americans, compared to only 130 million peace-promoting citizens during World War II.

"Imagine if 300 million people pulled together in a peace effort," said Adams.

Father Jose Gonzalez of St. Catherine s Church urged the audience to ask Christ for help to promote peace.

Maj. Mark Schrader of Highland County Sheriffs Office talked about the United States and its role as a peace keeper. He asked for continued support of the troops and local law enforcement personnel.

Rev. Andrew Conyer, Unity of Sebring, was the last speaker prior to the David Flowers led singing of the hymn, "This is My Song."

"We all seek peace, we all seek the Lord, we all seek to express love," said Conyer.

Organizer Peace of Highlands County, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization founded in 1982. The organization meets on the second Thursday of each month at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Brethren, 700 Pine St. For more information, call 863-214-5522 or 863-465-1587.

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