Published: July 01, 2008 05:02 pm            

Quaker conference honors acts of courage

The faithful are gathering.

More than 1,500 Quakers from the U.S. and Canada are at Pitt-Johnstown for the annual weeklong Friends General Conference, sponsored by the North American Quakers.

This year’s theme, “Courageously Faithful,” is meant to challenge participants to draw inspiration from others’ courageous acts of faith.

One of the highlights of the conference is the exhibit “Eyes Wide Open: The Cost of War to Pennsylvania,” which was displayed Tuesday in the arena.

It featured 187 pairs of boots worn by Pennsylvania military men and women who were killed while serving in Iraq.

“These boots were a part of the national exhibit, but it became too large,” said Scilla

Wahrhaftig, program director for the Quaker organization American Friends Service Committee.” So since 2006, each state has had its own exhibit.

At the front of the display were the boots of local men – including Spc. Christopher Golby, Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Buchan and Pfc. Aaron Rusin – who lost their lives in Iraq.

“We like to bring them into small towns where family and friends can bring messages and mementos and place them with the boots,” Wahrhaftig said.

Other exhibits included boots from soldiers who have committed suicide since returning home and shoes from civilian Iraqi men, women and children killed in conflict.

“People tell us this is extraordinary,” Wahrhaftig said. “It especially has made a huge impact on veterans from other wars.”

She said family members of the fallen soldiers have said they are grateful their loved ones are memorialized in the exhibit.

“The response is wonderful and very meaningful,” Wahrhaftig said.

Other conference activities include workshops, presentations, Bible study, children’s programs, films, singing and dancing.

The gathering will conclude Saturday with a worship service.

        

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