The Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Nearly 65 people gathered around the American flag at the Routt County Courthouse Monday to protest a potential war with Iraq.

Most who stood around the flag participated in a protest march down Lincoln Avenue from the Bud Werner Memorial Library to the courthouse, while others filtered into the circle later.

The group carried candles and a few of the participants made signs protesting war with Iraq.

"Last Friday, a couple of folks said Steamboat never does anything. Thanks for proving them wrong," Robin Watkins said after people gathered around the flag.

Watkins organized the march. She passed out petitions against a war to be signed and given to local politicians. Besides that, she left it up to the participants to speak out if they wished.

Several did, most sharing their concerns about war. "I just do not think at the present time there is a justification for war," one man said.

A man in a sport utility vehicle continually drove by and heckled the crowd during the march and while the group stood around the flag. Steamboat resident Susy Lee pointed out that there was something to be learned from hearing someone else's point of view on the matter. "I think it's kind of good that we have a heckler tonight. It reminds us that there are other opinions," she said.

Nancy Schweiger reminded the audience that without soldiers, there could be no war and said future conflicts could be avoided if people recognized that fact.

Sean P. Dougherty, from Alaska, announced that his 24-year-old daughter recently was sent to Kuwait through the Army National Guard in Denver. He planned to come to Steamboat with her.

"I was devastated," he said of finding out that she was being shipped out. Dougherty, his other daughter Erin and a friend wore T-shirts with anti-Bush and anti-war sayings, which he said they wore skiing for the last couple of days.

The group sang two patriotic songs and several participants put candles in the snow at the base of the flag before the gathering ended. "That was a nice symbolic moment," Watkins said.

She said she was happy with the turnout, but didn't have any expectations. The group did talk about doing another march or asking the Steamboat Springs City Council to pass a resolution to condemn a possible war. "We are going to do something," Watkins said. "Obviously there are a lot of people wanting to do more."