Earlier in the day, a group of counter protesters held a rally at the Vietnam Memorial to show their support for the soldiers and their military leaders. The counter protesters called their gathering the "Patriots' Rally."
Thousands Attend Anti-War Rally Activists Listen To Speeches, March To Military Bases
WASHINGTON -- Thousands of protesters gathered on the National Mall Saturday for an organized protest against a possible war with Iraq.
Protesters from around the nation are expected to join the events. Stages and sound equipment were set up earlier in the week.
The protesters said the biggest threat to world peace is coming from Washington, not from any rogue nation. The activists also argued that President Bush's threats are motivated more by oil prices than by world peace.
There were also plenty of police officers to provide security on the Mall. Officers said they encountered only minor problems during the rallies.
International A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) hosted the protest in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Speakers included the Rev. Jesse Jackson; the Rev. Al Sharpton; Ron Kovic, a Vietnam veteran and the author of "Born On The Fourth Of July", and Mahdi Bray, the executive director of the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation.
Some demonstrators carried signs protesting military action while others suggest the problems of the world can be linked directly to Bush administration policies. One sign said "Bush's foreign policy is a bomb." Another said "Attack on Iraq equals more terrorism."
While many demonstrators were college age, others represented the Vietnam, Korea and World War Two generations. They gathered in the shadow of the Capitol before making a symbolic statement to the U.S. military by marching past the Marine and Navy facilities in the District.
However, not everyone on the Mall this weekend was against the war plans. A "patriots' rally" started at 9:30 Saturday morning to support soldiers overseas.
Organizers of the counter-protest point out that anti-war protesters appear to be supporting countries and military organizations that have killed Americans.
Link to slideshow with some pics form the rally here
Earlier in the day, a group of counter protesters held a rally at the Vietnam Memorial to show their support for the soldiers and their military leaders. The counter protesters called their gathering the "Patriots' Rally."
Where do these people come from...are they all on the government dole...I can't imagine them holding a real job.
Funny, when I choose: "Yes, Saddam is a threat" the vote doesn't record. (Well, it could be my fault, I use adsubtract :) Should I demand a recount?