REMEMBERING 9-11: Three Calhounians Stand In Silence Against Iraqi War (2003)

(03/30/2026)
COMMENT Bob Weaver 2026

2003 - With no support, Calhoun women Jude Binder (L) and Rev. Margaret Peig Schmitz (R) a presence in silence (plus Hur Herald editor Bob Weaver) in front of the Calhoun courthouse after 9-11, protesting the USA going to war with Iraq, the US claiming they had weapons of mass destruction (Didn't). The twin towers bombers were from Iran.

The threesome prayed for the protection of children of the world.

2026 March - The "No Kings" protest in Grantsville, against going to war with Iran, not approved by the US Congress, drew about 35 Calhoun citizens, young and old.

STANDING IN SILENCE FOR HOURS

Rev. Margaret "Peig" Roohan Schmitz of Grantsville was widely opposed to the US entry into the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, believing the rationale was concocted, with the outcomes to be declared ill-fated

Peig died in 2010 at the age of 82. The Atlanta, Georgia native, on her spiritual journey, spent her last years in Calhoun as a dedicated community servant, volunteering hundreds of hours of time each year.

Peig wrote a small book "My Fair Share," about being a Christian, transforming from being a Presbyterian in Alanta GA, to become a United Methodist pastor, and then coming to Calhoun to pastor the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church.

Peig was a leader in the effort to collect documents and artifacts to be buried in a time capsule at Calhoun Park, to be opened in the year 2053.

Jude Binder, now over 80 years old, was the creator of the long running Heartwood in the Hills, which helped hundreds of Calhoun children, most unable to pay for the services.

Binder was artist, woodcarver, dancer, playwight and educator. During her service she was often demeaned in the county paper.

She received dozens of awards from WV civic groups.

Her bio: JUDE BINDER WV ENCYCLOPEDIA