IN THE March-April 2003 issue, there were many compelling arguments against the war in Iraq. It was the center spread photograph of the first Communion class in Basrah, Iraq ("Seeing the Face of the Enemy"), however, that gave the strongest argument. Sister Yvette's expression and the faces of her beautiful young students brought tears to my eyes as I thought of the threat of war hovering over them. To make it even more personal for me, the nun was shown wearing the same medal that I have worn around my neck for years.
On the eve of possible war, this image moved me deeply and intensified my prayers for peace. My heartfelt appreciation to photographer Alan Pogue and to all who bring us images that remind us that we are all one family, no matter what our religion or nationality. If only those with the power to wage war would examine the eloquent expressions of such faces and let them pierce their hearts. Maybe then it would be more difficult, or better impossible, to turn such innocent lives into the stuff of dreadful statistics.
Glenn K. Smith
Schoharie, New York
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