Chants of “No more war” filled Bicenntial Plaza Thursday night after protesters gathered to denounce President Trump’s decision to attack an Iranian official last week.
Last Friday, the U.S. military launched an airstrike on a Baghdad airport that killed Qassim Suleimani, one of Iran’s top military leaders. Iranian officials vowed to avenge Soleimani’s death and responded with missile strikes on two U.S. bases Tuesday, although no one was killed. U.S. intelligence said Thursday that a Ukranian passenger plane that crashed earlier this week was apparently downed by an Iranian missile, possibly by mistake.
For many, the act of war has triggered memories of the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
The protest, one of the hundreds staged nationwide, began at 6:00 p.m. with dozens braving the cold with handwritten signs pleading for “No More Stupid Wars.”
Pastor Nancy Pullen told the crowd she stood in solidarity with “our brothers and sisters in Iran.”
“We are here to stand against the senseless killing and violence,” Pullen said. “We are here to wage a war of peace, not war.”
“War costs more than it’s worth,” said Roger Ehrlich of Veterans for Peace. “It takes so much from families, towns, and countries. But what does it bring? I ask you, what can we gain by starting a war with Iran?”
After several speakers addressed the crowd, the protesters marched around the legislative building to send a message to lawmakers.
“Give Peace a Chance,” the protesters sang after returning to the plaza. their voices filling the night.
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