Of course there will always be aggressors and people with hearts full of hate. That has been the case for the entirety of human history and probably always will be to some degree. If you are waiting for that to change I wouldn't recommend holding your breath.

The good thing is though, that isn't the point. By showing up to the vigil the people attending already have done something great, a display of solidarity and show of support for the victims and their loved ones. You might say it doesn't matter, but I strongly disagree. Small gestures to people in pain can grant great relief even though it won't bring back their friends, brothers, sisters, mothers or fathers.

Personally when I read that something like this has happened I'm struck by two feelings. First, sorrow for all the good people that perished needlessly. Second, awe by the sheer number of people that is doing their best to help no matter how large or small a contribution.

The war against terror is two-fold. One part of it is stopping their actions and the needless bloodshed that comes from it. The other part, the part that a vigil does contribute to, is stopping their influence on us. Anger is easy, it masks the pain and makes it easier to deal with loss. Sometimes it is unavoidable, but we shouldn't linger there more then we have to. Holding on to anger or turning to cynicism or apathy is letting the few bad people of the world erode the good in the rest of us. A vigil is a way to affirm that although we'll grieve, we'll do so together. It's a first step to catharsis and a reaffirmation of the good of the masses through a rejection of apathy.

I don't know about you, but I find that immensely valuable.