Silent vigil delivers loud message

Silent peace vigil at Majestic Square.

Sometimes you can say a lot by not saying anything.

And that's exactly what about 20 mainly Whanganui Quakers did at Majestic Square on Tuesday, their silent vigil delivering it's message with surprising clarity: violence does not create peace.

Many passers-by paused to read the signs - like the sign that read: "Honour the war dead by ending war" - and to take in the silence, save for the gentle splashing of the civic water feature in the background.

Jillian Wychel's father was killed in WWII, her mother pregnant at the time with Jillian's brother.

"I know first hand what the after-effects of war are - nobody wins," she told the Chronicle shortly before the 2pm vigil began.

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She and others who took part wore both red and white poppies - symbolism embracing the efforts of servicemen and women past and present, and peace.

"There was a letter in the paper from somebody very upset that white poppies were available the same time as red poppies. That is such a shame. People should be free to wear both," Ms Wychel said.

The vigil was part of a nationwide campaign organised by Peace Movement Aotearoa and Quakers.