I am sure ya'll know I did not and do not support what our government is doing in Iraq. I do feel for our troops and do have family in the military. I found the following to be of merit as it shows them support, but holds true to my not going along with the war, too.

Anyway, I offer it here for any who might like the idea and want to participate:

"Dearest friends, family and Relations,

"Recently our son, Jeremy, asked me if I could make a protection necklace for a friend of his that is in Iraq. At the end of last week, a friend of one of the kids in our community was killed in action, and they were discussing how helpless they felt, and so we talked about the possibility of making protection necklaces or personal medicine bags for their friends that are seeing action. As we were talking, the subject came around to how many of the people in the armed forces right now are feeling that because we are protesting and praying for peace, they are not supported, and are afraid that they will come home to the same type of welcome my father and others received after Viet Nam. From all this came this....

"You are invited to join us in a
Circle of Hope
by making contributions of simple protection necklaces and personal medicine bags which will be sent to those serving in action along with the letter you will find below.

"Please send these items to:

"Adrienne Bench, gifts coordinator
1627 29th St. #4
San Diego, CA 92102

"(funds to assist with shipping also gratefully accepted make checks to Nohwike Bagowa.)

"If you have someone currently serving and would like to have them receive this gifting email their name and armed forces address to
Kevin Thomas at chalawu2002@yahoo.com

"Thank you and bless you for your participation in this healing.

"LETTER THAT WILL BE ENCLOSED...

"We understand this is a perplexing time, and wish for you to know that while our community prays and protests for peace this in no way means that we do not support you and pray for your speedy return every day. This item has been blessed with many prayers of protection, and we hope you will accept it as a small token of our honoring.

"In the Quero Apache tradition, warriors are believed to be those of greatest courage. Those who have the courage to confront their own fear. We pray now that the Giver of All Life shall hold you in his hand; guard you from your fear; and send you home; to the warmth of your family's love.

"Hiyaa gozhoo dolee, may peace flow. Daaiina, and so it is."