On Wednesday evening, about 150 to 200 people who oppose the war in Afghanistan and the addition of troops gathered in Federal Plaza downtown. They started gathered around 4:30 p.m.
Speakers addressed the crowd as they began to prepare from Federal Plaza north to Oak Street.
Dozens of local organizations were represented, united in their desire for peace. News that 30,000 additional troops will go to Afghanistan prompted the activists to the protest. The crowed included parents of fallen soldiers.
"I'll be here because in memory of my son I fight for peace. After my son died, I don't want to see no more families suffer like my family," said Juan Torres, Gold Star Families For Peace.
"I think a lot of us had faith in Obama to try a more peaceful way. I think that another thing that's upsetting is the amount of money being spent on war rather than human needs both in Afghanistan and here at home," said Mary Zerkel, American Friends Service Committee.
"The troops that are there should be brought home. All the troops should come home now," said Neal Resnickoff, Neighbors For Peace.
