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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend March 19, 2006 War protesters gather Saturday on the Ashland Plaza to mark the third anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Mail Tribune / Andrew Mariman ‘End the war’ By ANITA BURKE Mail Tribune Three years ago on Ashland’s Plaza at a rally protesting the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Peter Herzog of Trail bought a T-shirt reading "Blessed are the Peacemakers." Saturday — to mark the third anniversary of the Iraq invasion — he wore that shirt back to the Plaza for another rally protesting the war. "I’m pissed that I still have to wear this," Herzog said. "People are still as stubborn as fenceposts." Peace House, an Ashland-based nonprofit, joined with similar groups from around the Rogue Valley to organize Saturday’s rally as part of a day of music, marches and discussions in support of ending the war in Iraq. The rally was coordinated with similar events worldwide. Advertisement In Ashland, marchers with drums, a piper, banners and pink umbrellas touting messages of peace trooped from the Ashland Armory on East Main Street. Students rallied at the Southern Oregon University campus and the Women in Black gathered in silence at Triangle Park on Siskiyou Boulevard. The groups converged at the Ashland library. After Ashland police closed Main Street and swept traffic from downtown, the crowd of several hundred took to the street, heading for the Plaza. Graybeards with thinning ponytails walked side-by-side with pierced teens in heavy eye makeup and moms pushing massive strollers. A busy toddler sported a cardboard sandwich board sign reminding everyone of a basic preschool peace lesson — "Arms are for hugs, not for hurting." Carly Greene, a senior at South Medford High School carried one end of a banner proclaiming "Students Say No to War." Just days away from her 18th birthday, she said her classmates have become increasingly concerned about the war that has dragged on since they were freshmen. "Students have big opinions, but they need a venue," she said. For her senior project she organized the Act Out Collective, a student-activist group, that helped plan Saturday’s peace rally, as well as past voter drives and a planned tax-day forum. Barbara Hopfinger of Ashland carried a cardboard placard on a yard stick reading: "Grandparents against the War". "I’ve always been against war," she said. "I’ve been participating in these since Vietnam. "I don’t know if the people in power are listening, but we made a difference in Vietnam." In addition to the peace parade, Peace House sponsored a morning forum moderated by Jeff Golden, Jefferson Public Radio talk-show host. Information booths and music from local bands filled the Plaza through the day. A silent, candlelight vigil on the Plaza and a walk back to Triangle Park was set to close the day. In addition to Peace House, organizers included Citizens for Peace & Justice of Medford, Applegate Citizens for Political Change, CodePink, Veterans for Common Sense and the League of Women Voters. "We’re here today to listen to all voices on Iraq," Peace House Executive Director Holly East said. "We’ve come together to seek common ground. Let us start today to end the war at home and seek ways to peacefully co-exist." Reach reporter Anita Burke at 776-4485, or e-mail �End the war� ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Absinthe Supply Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Debt Consolidation California Casinos Generic Viagra Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Hammocks Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada King of Spirits Advertisement s Advertisement