About 60 people gathered at the Allen Street gates Saturday for a candlelight vigil to honor the second anniversary of the war in Iraq.

The bells at the State College Presbyterian Church, 132 W. Beaver Ave., tolled at 7 p.m. for the thousands of lives lost in the war, including U.S. troops, coalition troops and Iraqi civilians.

Since the war began on March 19, 2003, more than 1,500 U.S. soldiers have been killed in action.

Joel Blunk, associate pastor of State College Presbyterian Church, led a 6 p.m. service, followed by a candlelit procession and vigil to the Allen Street gates.

"Other church congregations and groups throughout the country held at least 600 other vigils to honor the lives lost and to pray for peace," Blunk said. "We hope for an end to this thing."

Mission Ministry Unit chairwoman Susan Sanders and three other women who make up the Mission Ministry Unit at the church were responsible for organizing the event.

"It was important not to make it a political event, to hold everyone in our prayers, soldiers and Iraqis alike," Sanders said.

Blunk said he was pleased with the turnout, although only 10 of the 60 attendees were Penn State students.

Megan Green, president of the College Democrats, said that many members planned on attending other events in Washington, D.C., to commemorate the anniversary.

"I think people are still very concerned. There was probably low turnout because of lack of publicity. It's very important to show gratitude to those who lost their lives in battle," Green said.

"Even if you don't agree with the war, you should support the troops," she added.

Andy Banducci, chairman of the College Republicans, also said that everything should be done to honor the troops.

"We still have work to do overseas. We need to continue to help President Bush have his message of democracy and freedom take root in the Middle East," Banducci said.

Both he and Green said they did not receive prior notification of the vigil, and neither group had anything planned to commemorate the anniversary.

The Presbyterian Church has held special services throughout the war, but this was the first time an outdoor vigil of any kind has taken place, Sanders said.

"We felt that it was something important to recognize and think about," Sanders said.