As America wages war in Iraq and Afghanistan, a group based in Coupeville is calling upon citizens to wage peace.

A group called Coupeville Peace and Reconciliation is hosting a forum Thursday, Nov. 11, at noon at Cook’s Corner Park to spread the word about peace.

The event coincides with Armistice Day, the precursor to Veterans Day and a holiday still recognized in England, which is Peggy Burton’s home country. Burton, a retired secretary who came to the United States in 1967 via Canada, is one of the Peace and Reconciliation leaders. She said it’s not inappropriate to hold an anti-war event on Veterans Day.

“I lived in England, and this is a day to remember the dead — it’s very solemn,” she said.

Gerald Rosen, a psychotherapist and self-described “Seattle refugee” who has lived on the island for four years, is another member of the group. “We definitely have a stand on militarism, but this is not to counter Veterans Day,” he said. “Militarism is the glorification of war. We’re not against the military, but we’re looking for an alternative to war.”

Coupeville Peace and Reconciliation got its start as people congregated on the corner of Highway 525 and Main Street to protest what was then the brewing war in Iraq. Demonstrations continued after the war started, and a group was formally created.

“We didn’t agree with the idea of going to war in Iraq,” Rosen said. He estimated up to 40 people stood on the corner, waving anti-war signs, at the height of the effort.

Burton said many passersby honked and waved in support, but not everyone. “Obviously, there was some negativity,” she said. One Oak Harbor man was charged with assault for bumping a protester with his car.

Rosen said protesters started meeting in homes and eventually formed the Peace and Reconciliation group. About 15 people attend meetings regularly, he said, and another 35 or so are on their e-mail list.

The group’s first and biggest event was the Whidbey Island Peace Forum held Sept. 11, 2004, at Greenbank Farm. Entertainment and speakers attracted about 150 people. They have also stood on the corner with a list of Americans killed in Iraq; they are circulating a petition against the Patriot Act which will be presented to the Coupeville Town Council; and they are working with the school district to allow parents to have their children “opt out” of presentations by military recruiters.

Peace and Reconciliation organizers are hoping for a good turnout at Thursday’s forum, but they’ll be happy with just a few. “A small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world,” Rosen said.

Anyone with questions can call Che Gillian, 678-5329, or e-mail CPR98239@hotmail.com.