Marie Braun(lower left), parishioner and peace activist, led the early march.

At the pre-march rally in Loring Park, the crowd stood in the snow and cheered in support of Brandon Madsen, a senior from Kennedy High School in Bloomington, as he spoke of the high cost of the war, in lives and in the future of jobs, as we are forced to finance this war for corporate profits. They raised their voices in agreement as Keith Ellison, MN State representative, and union organizers called for an end to war and for the Bush administration to bring the troops home now.  Others signed their names on black coffins which were then carried in the march.

It was a peaceful but spirited protest.  Babies in strollers and toddlers on shoulders were as frequent as the many colorful signs.  There was a notably high presence of young people and students.  Church groups and union members were among the marchers.  Many motorists and bystanders raised their thumbs in approval.

Several hundred gathered at Wesley United Methodist Church after the march to hear peace activists speak.  Rose Brewer, Associate Professor Afro-American and African Studies at the University of Minnesota, called for people to "Stand Up" for the young people who are saying no to war.  Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, Assistant Professor of Justice and Peace Studies at the University of St. Thomas, also rallied the crowd as he proclaimed, "Not in my name!"  He reminded the crowd that we are a part of a global majority who did not want the war and are working to end the illegal occupation of Iraq. He called for an end to U.S. imperialism and asked the defining question, "Do we want to be an empire or a republic?"  We must all ask ourselves that question.

Evening Walk for Peace:

MoveOn.org introduced the march with these words: “As of March 19th, 2005, 1,400 American troops have been killed in combat, and over 11,220 have been seriously injured. U.S. citizens have also suffered on the domestic front, as crucial domestic programs that benefit low-income families have been threatened and the already- ballooning national deficit has swelled to compensate for the cost of war. Uncounted tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians have died, and millions are without electricity or running water. The Bush administration is in the middle of an optimism campaign on Iraq, and wants us to believe that a stable peace is around the corner. But most realists see years of chaos and violence ahead. The two-year anniversary of the invasion is an important time to come together in response.”

Neighbors for Peace signs can be purchased at Northern Sun. You may also order a sign to be picked up by sending a check for $10.00 to: Linda Winsor; 708 Goodrich Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105. Make checks payable to "Friends for a Non-Violent World" and write "N4P Sign" in the memo. If you have questions or would like to arrange pick-up or delivery, please e-mail Linda at ljwinsor@yahoo.com.

My son and I walked because we believe that Peace IS Possible and the war on Iraq has never been justified. I believe that this war started under false pretenses and that at the core, has always been the desire for oil, power and dominance. What saddens me is that there is no exit strategy out of Iraq and if we really want sovereignty for the people of Iraq, we would have stopped the sanctions long ago and found a way to continue to put the pressure on Saddam for weapons inspections.

As we waited to start our march, we stood by Snelling Avenue and waved as the cars went by. It felt as if almost every car honked in support of our march. Tears came to my eyes as I realized that so many of us just cannot stand what is happening to our soldiers and our brothers and sisters in Iraq. Many would have been on the street walking with us if they could. The peace signs and horn honking provided a true sense of solidarity.

We walked to mourn the dead – all the dead – our brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters from the U.S. and the same in Iraq.

We walked to voice our opposition against the lies created to justify this war.

We walked for hope that by rising up out of our complacency and saying, “this must stop”, that maybe the citizens of the United States can pressure our own government to end this violence.

We walked to say that we believe the resources available (human, financial, spiritual and emotional) are much better placed and invested, in peace than in violence.

And we walked in solidarity with all around the globe who were doing so that same day.

As my son and I watched the sun set over the river, my prayer for all the children all over the world was lifted as we sang, “I aint gonna study war no more”.