The United States launched an attack on Iraq yesterday, prompting various responses from members of the University and State College communities, many of whom watched the events unfold on television.

Participants in the University's military programs reflected on fellow members now on active duty in the Middle East. Families of military personnel stationed in the Middle East had mixed emotions about Bush's initiative.

"That's my son, my only son," said Sandra Appleyard, a State College resident whose son Brad is in the Middle East. "I don't understand, maybe I'm just a little bitter tonight. I didn't think they would be foolish enough to start it."

The initial reactions from students across campus included excitement as well as shock and dismay. They gathered together and shared their opinions on the evening's events.

"I really can't stand war but we're there and Saddam could hurt us, so it's good that we're going to stop his progress," said Bob Haggerty (junior-business logistics) in the All American Rathskeller, 108 S. Pugh St.

Other students were astonished as reports of the first shots were aired.

"I can't believe it. I haven't supported any of this since the beginning," said Jeff Martin (junior-broadcast cable). "I'm stunned. I'm shocked. I'm worried because I believe a lot of dead people will be coming back."

While Arab and Israeli students were concerned about how Americans would be affected, they also thought of the war's affect on family members living in the Middle East.

"I hope Saddam Hussein won't attack Israel," Amit Mor, president of the Penn State Israeli Association said. "If he should do so, Israel will probably join in the effort to destroy him."

Arthur E. Goldschmidt Jr., associate professor of history specializing in Middle Eastern studies, said restoring the Kuwaiti emirate will not end conflict in the region.

"How long will it be before another big country decides to attack a smaller country?" Goldschmidt said. "We still have Saddam Hussein and the danger of another attack."

Other community members seemed to feel that the gulf crisis is being taken too lightly by State College residents.

Bobbi Zaremba sat hunched over her pew at Faith United Church of Christ, 300 E. College Ave. Zaremba was surprised she was alone in the church.

"It seems that people have too many other things on their mind," she said. "They don't care what's going on halfway around the world."

Dave Rich, a patron at Cafe 210 West on College Avenue, said students should become more involved in the anti-war effort.

"There should be more happening. There's so many people at this University that should be doing something," Rich said. "They should have done it before it happened."