Just one day after bombs first fell on Iraq, 200 people gathered for a candlelight vigil at McKeesport campus to show their support for American troops.

"The objective was to bring students and members of the community together to lend and give support to each other in supporting the troops," said Janel Pavlack, president of McKeesport campus Student Government Association.

At 8 p.m. on Jan. 17, students gathered at a monument of a World War II Sherman tank located near campus. Yellow ribbons were tied around its gun barrel and students climbed onto the tank to wave American flags, she said.

Candles were passed out and the national anthem was sung. The vigil then moved to the Frable Conference Center on campus.

Father Arthur Merrell, the campus chaplain, gave a reading from the Bible explaining the importance of keeping peace within our hearts during war, Pavlack said. The audience was also invited to share the names of loved ones involved in the conflict and participate in a moment of silence, she said.

"After that, the crowd marched around the campus with candles to hang the final ribbon on the tank," she said.

Ken Foltz (freshman-pre-law) helped Pavlack organize and advertise the vigil. He said he was impressed with the turnout.

"Considering the starting estimate of a good crowd was 50 people, it was way over our expectations," he said.

Holly Murray (sophomore-pediatrics) said there was a great feeling in the crowd.

"(Vigil participants) really put their hearts into it for the troops," she said. "They may not be one way or the other towards the war but they're very supportive for the troops. It was touching."

Pavlack said mixed emotions exist about the war itself among students but support for the troops is campus-wide.

Foltz said 99 percent of the students support the troops and 90 percent support the war.

"As far as I know, right now there is only one person on campus demonstrating against it," he said. "From what I've heard, it's different on other campuses."

Pavlack said her major concern is the lives involved.

"Not just American lives," she said, "all lives."

McKeesport campus Student Government Association Vice President Kelly McLaughlin said she is glad the United States did not wait to attack Iraq.

"Everyone is always saying America butts in where it is not wanted," she said. "(Saddam) Hussein would have had to be dealt with sooner or later. In this instance, I think we are doing a magnificent job."