At noon on Friday, August 26, 2005, about 40 people attended an anti-war vigil on the steps of the federal courthouse at 10th street and Main street in downtown Richmond. This vigil was organized by the Virginia Anti-War Network (VAWN) as a statewide action, with vigils also taking place in Augusta County and Blacksburg. As protesters stood with signs that called on motorists to "Honk for Peace", Virginia's capital city seemed more like San Francisco. Speaking in reference to the number of honks received, Christie Burwell explained that "you can really see the change in perceptions; people are reacting more positively than a year ago."