March 18 marked the day in Salt Lake that citizens joined together to demand the U.S. withdrawl from Iraq on this 3rd anniversary of the Invasion and Occupation. A gathering rally was held at Pioneer Park, followed by a march to the City County Building at Washington Square where a program of musicians, poets, actors, and speakers was presented. Later that evening a livley panel discussion was held on the illegality of the Iraq War.
Mainstream and Alterntive news sources are reporting that numbers for rallies worldwide were lower than expected and significantly lower than pre-Iraq Invasion. Also in Salt Lake, the past two rallies have had as keynote speaker, Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson, which was a huge draw for most participants in those rallies.
Third Anniversary of Iraq war is Marked by Protests Around World~~Thousands Protest War’s 3rd Anniversary~~Thousands Protest War’s 3rd Anniversary~~Across Florida, protesters march against war in IraqOn the 3rd anniversary of the conflict, groups rally in several areas to urge troop withdrawal.~~Protests to mark Iraq war’s 3rd year: Despite larger events slated for S.F., Oakland, many of the activities will be held in the suburbs
Local news sources covered the events of yesterday.
The photos below include crowd and sign photos as well as our musicians, actors, speakers, poets, and radical cheerleading squad, Pom Poms Not Bomb Bombs, of which I am a member.
The keynote speaker at the rally was Joan Maymi, of Gold Star Families for Peace, whose nephew was killed in Iraq. She provided a compelling speech about why our troops need to be brought home NOW.
Gathering Rally at Pioneer Park
Deanna Dee-Dee Taylor 