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VVAW Marches in DC

By Breezy Brzeski

Tens of thousands of anti-war demonstrators converged on Washington DC March 17, to participate in a peace rally protesting the Iraq war. In spite of a big snowstorm that converged over the Northeast on Friday and closed roads across the pass and airports, the march was well attended. Although not as many people attended this march as last January's the message to stop the war was heard loud and clear. Anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan was joined by a number of other activists who spoke at the end of the rally near the Pentagon. This rally was organized to commemorate the 1967 march on the Pentagon to protest the war in Vietnam as well as the 4th anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq war.

Washington DC, January 27, 2007

VVAW was well represented by several chapters from around the country. These dedicated people braved 20 mph winds and temperatures in the 20's. The Kentuckiana VVAW was represented by Carol and Harold Trainer along with several other members, the VVAW Chicago, Illinois group was spearheaded by Ken Nielsen and many other members, while the Milwaukee, Wisconsin VVAW chapter was led by myself and Ted Kautzman. All the contingents had VVAW banners and marched with them proudly.

The march was led by the Iraq Veterans who attended that day, followed by all other veterans. Carol in her usual way managed to snake her way through the crowd and led the first VVAW contingent in the march right behind the Iraq Vets, followed by the Milwaukee and Chicago groups The march started off at the Mall and proceeded across the bridge of the Potomac River. On the sidewalk at the southside of the bridge were several hundred war-mongering protesters who heckled the anti-war protesters. One bunch dressed in black motorcycle jackets called themselves "freedom eagles." This name was born out of their ignorance and stupidity, they are the ones who continue to believe the lies of Bush and his cronies. Their ignorance shone through in their shouts supporting US domination of the world because we are the "protectors of world Democracy." They shouted obscenities and tried to spit on the crowd. They demonstrated the stupidity of might is right by trying to stop people from going to the "Wall" as well as blocking anti-war protesters from joining the march. However, Carol stood up to them in her visit to the wall and the "eagles" had to back down and let her through.

The march snaked its way for miles across the bridge and then turned and marched toward the Pentagon. Protesters marched and sang John Lennon's immortal words "All we are saying, Is give peace a chance." They also chanted, "What do we want? To stop the war! When do we want it? Now!" These slogans and others charged up the protesters who were very vocal and energized. There were marchers of all ages, from little children with their parents, to elderly folks in wheelchairs.

The marchers gathered at the stage, which was set up at the end of the march in front of the Pentagon. The Kentucky VVAW was right up at the front, holding their VVAW banner high for all to see. Anti-war activists including Cindy Sheehan spoke for over an hour. The large crowd was very receptive to their message of "No more money for Iraq" and "Get out of Iraq Now." Again, VVAW responded to the call to protest an illegal and unjust war with their efforts and participation in this march.

Ted Kautzman and Breezy Brzeski march in DC, March 17, 2007