Anti-war protester Geneva Humdy-Woodley was last night praying for the safety of her son who is now in the Middle East readying for a US-led invasion of Iraq.

But Ms Humdy-Woodley not only has her 20-year-old son, Kemal, in mind. She is praying for all soldiers in the Gulf, including the Iraqis.

“My son is in the hands of God right now, because it is up to him whether he comes home safely,” said Ms Humdy-Woodley.

“It is difficult to speak about this right now, because it was his decision.

“Every time we speak, I tell him that I am so proud of him for deciding to make a stand, as even though I do not agree with war, I support my son.

“I also understand what the soldiers are feeling as well - when they signed up, I don't think that they wanted to go to war.” At the moment the American mother, who is married to a Bermudian, is able to speak frequently to her son.

But she said: “I am not sure how long this will last.

“He said he appreciates how simple, beautiful and uncomplicated the sunrise is.”

American-born Kemal left Bermuda three-years ago when he was 17 to join the US Army, where he not only received military training, but also took college courses.

“He feels he is doing what he was trained to do, and he wants to serve his country,” said Ms Humdy-Woodley.

“At the end of the day I believe in peace more than anything. I want to encourage people not to be angry with the soldiers, because they feel it is their job to serve their country.”

At the moment between prayers and keeping busy, she said: “I am filled with mother-full feelings, I look at pictures of when he was first born and pictures of the present.”

Meanwhile, another mother spoke of her relief that her son was no longer in the Army.

She said: “My son came out last year and I am happy that he is now in university.

“I do realise that several of his peers have been recalled to serve in Iraq.

“I am glad that I do not have to worry anymore.

“He is looking forward to getting his education - he feels that this is his destiny.”

lThe Royal Gazette contacted several other mothers, but for understandable reasons they were not willing to speak.