COMMENTARY
MILT THOMAS
If you drove across the Barber Bridge Tuesday evening between 7-8 p.m. you would have seen a group walking along the south side carrying lighted candles. Compassion Vero organized the event, which was to symbolize bringing light into a troubled world this holiday season.
After a year of endless terrorism, conflict, racism, Republican debates and record heat, it seems like the last two words on anyone’s mind are “peace” and “goodwill.” But this special time of year allows us to reaffirm that peace and goodwill are what we Americans are really all about.
Yes, we must fight the evils of terrorism and we may find ourselves drawn into conflicts, but only to defend our most honorable ideals (sometimes too aggressively or maybe not aggressively enough).
And yes, racism still exists in this country — because we are not perfect. (We are, after all, human). But we are always trying to get it right.
Presidential candidate debates can become ugly, but they represent the best principles of our democracy. Can you imagine a presidential debate in Syria, Russia or China?
We may not agree on the reasons for record heat, but the fact we can disagree is our time honored privilege.
So we have earned the right to speak about — or demonstrate on behalf of — peace and goodwill in a world where it seems there is anything but. Whether you celebrate the Festival of Lights, the light shining from a Star of Bethlehem, or simply carrying a candle across Barber Bridge, we are all, as Americans, only wishing the best for everyone who shares this Earth with us.
Indian River Guardian 
Terrific! Together there is strength. Congratulations to those who gave of their time to participate in this event. Hope another walk can be scheduled in early 2016….maybe between the 17th St/Alma Lee Loy Bridge and Royal Palm Point…..it’s flat land. Let the light shine!
That was nice. An even greater demonstration took place all around this community last night too as tens of thousands of Indian River County residents gathered in houses of worship, in parks and other public arenas lighting candles and honoring the only true source of peace and good will in this world (after all that was the source of that original announcement from Angels sent to proclaim the coming of God to earth). Jesus, the Prince of Peace, for it is not Christmas without CHRIST. Merry Christmas to all!!