Motorists driving past the Benton County Courthouse on Sunday evening couldn't help but notice the throngs of people covering the wide area while attending an anti-war candlelight vigil.

A few drivers honked in support, prompting some on the sidewalk to raise their candles in recognition. Others rolled down their windows to verbally express their positive or negative views of the vigil.

People singing, praying and hoping for peace filled the courthouse's east steps and the sidewalks and lawn on the east side of the building for the worldwide Global Vigil for Peace on Sunday evening. Nearly everyone in attendance was holding a candle of some sort, illuminating a large area of the block on the clear, crisp night.

"At this point we have to ask ourselves, the decisions that are being made in our name, what are they going to say for the future and what it means for war," said Cody Donahue, an Oregon State University student who has helped organize three anti-war events on campus.

"I think we've already made a difference," Donahue said, adding that he believes a decision to begin a war has been delayed by the sea of protests and similar events. "They know America is not solidly behind (President) Bush."

Dennis Dugan, Donahue's fellow organizer, agreed.

"I'm not convinced war is necessary now," he said. "I would have as a primary concern keeping people alive."

On Saturday there were similar vigils in Portland and Eugene, as well as Corvallis. According to the Corvallis vigil organizers, there were more than 3,000 other vigils planned in 100 countries this weekend. A peace vigil was held earlier in the day at the Corvallis courthouse, a recurring event that's been held since Sept. 11, 2001.

Laura Peters, an OSU and Linn-Benton Community College student and Corvallis resident for about a year, said she attended the vigil for one simple reason.

"I'm just against the war, basically," she said. "If you look at history, women's rights and civil rights have been accomplished through demonstrations."

"I think the purpose for being here is to support peace and hope for the war not to come," added Linda Erwin, standing nearby. "I think it's a day-to-day thing at this point."

Carolyn Lochert attended a large vigil Saturday in Portland and was standing in front of the Corvallis courthouse Sunday with a candle inside a large glass vase.

"Because this is a war we don't need to be in," she said of her reason for joining the anti-war movement. "It's more of a vendetta in my eyes. We don't want innocent people to be killed."

Ahl Lewis stood with his arms crossed, disappointed with the decisions being made by the U.S. government.

"This is the worst way to do it," he said. "It's based on lies, rhetoric and things I can't believe."

Jesse Sowa covers public safety and general assignments for the Gazette-Times. He can be reached at jesse.sowa@lee.net or 758-9521.