Many of Rachel's friends showed up for her birthday today. Her parents and siblings were there. Her close neighbors and teachers were there. Two beautiful sheet cakes were ready for the party.
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But this party was very different than last year when Rachel was
so busy getting ready for the Procession of the Species in Olympia. She hardly
had time to enjoy the Sushi brought to her by her friend, Colin Reese! Rachel
was absorbed then in making dove costumes. 
This
year, Rachel did not live long enough to celebrate her 24th birthday with
friends and family. On March 16th, she was killed by an armored Israeli
bulldozer in Rafah, Palestine.
Rachel's friends needed to celebrate her 24th birthday and life, however. So a special birthday/remembrance was held in the Library at The Evergreen State College at noon. This was a time to mourn and celebrate, to remind ourselves of Rachel's spirit, and to reflect on what it meant to strive for peace.
Eli
Crawford read a reflection with Pesach (Passover) drawing near.
Elizabeth Elizabeth Hummel composed and sang a special song remembering Rachel. At the conclusion of the reflections shared by her friends, caked was served. During the "party," a song, "Rachel Corrie" was played from a CD "The Times That Try Our Soul" that was sent by a Quaker folksinger, Larry Otway, who never met Rachel, but composed it after learning of her life and death.
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Before we could enjoy the cake, we sang "Happy Birthday" to you, Rachel, in three languages: English, Arabic, and Spanish.
Mom and "Poppy" were there, too!
Happy 24th Birthday, Rachel -- 'Olympia's Dove!'
Dennis Mills
Olympia WA