On the evening the United States launched attacks against Iraq, Lawrence saw demonstrations in support of the troops, against the war, discussion and prayer.

After the strikes were announced, a pair of sheriff’s deputies sat guard in the parking lot of the Douglas County Courthouse, but neither protesters nor violence visited. Elsewhere along Massachusetts Street, activity appeared little different from any other spring break night — except that many televisions in sports bars were tuned to news channels and the topic of discussion was war.

Kurt Banks sat in O’Dell’s Deli & Drinks, sipping a beer, the only customer there. He was watching Dan Rather’s coverage of the war with a bartender.

“I’m glad we finally started,” Banks said. “We need to put that regime out of power quickly and stabilize the region.”

Henry’s coffee shop was full, but the opinions were different.

“Unfortunately, I knew this was going to happen,” said Stacey Van Houten, who was reading a book and drinking a latte. “I don’t support this course of action. I agree with Senator Daschle that it’s a failure of diplomacy.”

Earlier in the evening, before attacks commenced, verbal sparring broke out between antiwar protesters and those supportive of American troops in the Persian Gulf.

About 65 people braved a chilling north wind and steady rain as they stood in front of the Douglas County Courthouse for a “support the troops” rally.

“I’m very nervous,” said JoAnn Wempe, whose son, Marine Sgt. Robert Wempe, is on a ship in the Gulf. “But I know they are out there looking out for each other. We can only pray for them. Hopefully they’ll be home soon.”

Heather Ashburn, Lawrence, braves the cold and rain at a demonstration in support of American troops in front of the Douglas County Courthouse.

Across the street, about 25 people stood along the sidewalk expressing their opposition to war. Alan Fisher, past commander of Lawrence American Legion Post No. 14, walked across the street carrying an American flag to confront them. He ended up talking to Mehrene Larudee.

“I said I didn’t want war but I think it is going to have to happen,” Fisher said. “It’s not our fault, it’s Saddam Hussein.”

Larudee said she wasn’t swayed.

“The U.S. has been inconsistent about going after bad leaders,” said Larudee, who argued Iraq got some of its ability to make weapons of mass destruction from the United States.

Their right

Matt Buff, who worked with the American Legion and the Lawrence Veterans of Foreign Wars to organize the troop support rally, shrugged off the protesters.

“They have every right to do that in this country,” he said. “More power to them.”

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Buff called off the demonstration after about an hour because of the weather. Another rally will take place in a few days, he said.

“I’m really proud of everybody who came out,” Buff said. “It’s freezing.”

Don Dalquest, commander of the Legion post, said he was pleased with the rally.

“The troops are going into harm’s way, and we want them to know we support them,” Dalquest said. “We’re not for war, but we support the troops and (President) Bush. We’ll make sure they don’t spit on any more troops when they come home.”

Wednesday night, as Bush’s deadline for Saddam to leave Iraq passed, some Lawrence churches had special prayer services.

Praying for peace

Carole Scott, Lawrence, lights candles during a prayer vigil at Centenary United Methodist Church, 245 N. Fourth St. On Wednesday, church members found solace in each other's company as the nation went to war.

About 30 people gathered in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church, 1330 Kasold Drive, where a list of military personnel was compiled so the congregation would know for whom it was praying.

“We pray for the safety of the men and women at war,” the Rev. Marcus McFaul said.

At Centenary United Methodist Church, nearly 20 people helped the Rev. Judy Long O’Neal fold paper cranes, known as “Tsurus” in Japan, where they are the symbol of hope and happiness. During the next few days the church hopes to make 1,000 of them to hang from the ceiling of the church.

Earlier, a short service took place in Centenary’s sanctuary. Among those attending was Selmer Torkelson, of Lawrence, who said he thought it was important to be there.

“I wanted to pray for our military people and pray for our leaders, whether we agree with them or not,” Torkelson said. “Now I think it’s time to put our differences aside and work for the common goal.”

Also attending were Kim Jaymes and her mother, Carole Scott, both of Lawrence. Jaymes had just learned a friend was being called up for service and being sent to Germany.

“That just kind of hit home,” Jaymes said.

Whether the venue was sacred or profane, fellowship was key.

“It’s good to be able to gather with people out of concern for the international situation,” Scott said. “There is a certain amount of comfort.”