Cars filled garages as thousands took to the streets Saturday marching to advocate a peaceful solution to current tensions with Iraq, in the largest such showing in Madison in recent memory.
Heads turned as protesters of all ages moved from Library Mall to the Capitol. A group of children led the way chanting, \One, two, three, four, kids for peace, against the war.""
Some in shops and restaurants joined activists in the street, while others expressed dismay at the police-led procession, which took approximately 45 minutes to complete, forcing buses to be rerouted and halting downtown traffic in its path.
""It's great to feel this kind of solidarity,"" said Kevin Prosen, a UW-Madison junior who also attended an anti-war protest in Washington, D.C., Jan. 18. ""There's a lot of urgency. We've got this president who's constantly pushing this idea of war.""
Sgt. Dave McCaw of the Dane County Narcotics and Gang Task Force was on duty to escort the activists. He said people were still clearing out of Library Mall as the marchers in front neared the intersection of State Street and Gilman Street. McCaw said he could only compare Saturday's events to Vietnam protests he attended during his childhood in Madison.
As State Street began to clear and the Capitol steps filled with people, speakers reminded the crowd that they are among the majority of Americans.
""This is what democracy looks like,"" said Mike Wunsch, a member of the Madison Area Peace Coalition and With Solidarity.
Rae Vogeler, also of MAPC, continued, ""As we stand here today, there are 120,000 troops in the Middle East. Is this what the people want?""
Four fifth graders from Marquette Elementary School followed Vogeler's speech, singing a song they wrote about the current situation in Iraq.
""Listen to the children,"" the song said. ""We have something to say. You can play with your toy soldiers, but we'll let peace reign today.""
While many in the crowd expressed agreement with the students, some stood on the icy steps of the Capitol unsure of their beliefs.
Danielle Zirkel, a sophomore at Madison Area Technical College, who said she voted for President Bush in 2000, read about the gathering in the newspaper while sitting in McDonald's Saturday morning.
""I just wanted to learn more about what's going on,"" she said. ""I just want to get all the information so that I can formulate my own opinion.""
Similar activities are being planned nationwide for Feb. 15.
