It is not unpatriotic to question the country’s leaders, said Hutto. “It is our love of country for us to ask these questions. If you are patriotic, you have to question,” he urged.

Expanding on the political philosophies, Hutto said, “If we can build schools in Iraq, we can build schools in America,” calling for a change in the government.

He concluded by calling for all people to fight for veterans and to “take care of them.”

Other speakers included Jacquelyn Shannon, president of Allegheny College Peace and Justice Coalition, said the coalition works to resolve conflicts. “Wisdom can’t be taught,” she said, noting that wisdom is the ability to recognize and learn from experiences of those who came before them.

As several speakers spoke, Kathy Swartout slowly made her way from the west side of Diamond Park to mingle in the crowd — holding her “Traitors” sign high so the speakers and others in the crowd could view it.

As she made her way toward the front, she was confronted again and again by an unidentified man with a large plaid blanket wrapped around him. He continually stepped in front of Kathy and attempted to stop her from moving forward. “Keep your hands off me,” she said. Others in the crowd asked him to leave her alone.

Others lamented about her attempt to disrupt the service.

By the end of the 75-minute program, Swartout stood near the front of the gazebo, holding her sign high. Others quickly stood next to her and held their own read and white signs reading “Support the Troops, End the War” high as well. But, there was no further confrontation.

Marcia Metcalfe, one of the Women in Black, said the women had their right to disagree with them and quietly asked others to leave the women alone.

“We need a strong military force, there is no doubt about it,” said Kelson in closing remarks. “But we have been seduced by military force,” adding “force is not going to force Iraqis and Afghanistan into Americans,” noting they have the right to be what they want to be.

Musical presentations were interspersed in the program, including bagpipes and guitarist and vocalists, all singing songs identified with a peace movement.

Kate Walker, minister of Meadville Unitarian Universalist Church, closed with prayer.

“Peace means courage; peace means endurance; peace means strength,” she prayer. Noting that peace talks a constant watch or something will sneak up when we are not looking, she asked, to not “let anger creep into your words” noting people need to listen and look for peace “by what comes out of our mouths.”

When the service was over, those in attendance quickly dispersed and the event ended peacefully.