More than 1,000 people protested in front of the Federal Building on Saturday to demand the return of U.S. troops from Iraq during a rally held in conjunction with a massive protest in Washington, D.C., led by Cindy Sheehan.
People of all ages and backgrounds gathered at Broadway and Willamette Street to march with colorful peace-promoting signs, flags and banners to the Federal Building for the largest anti-war rally to take place in Eugene since the war’s beginning.
Public speakers, includingVietnam War veteran Tim Jones, addressed the crowd with speeches about peace and accusations about the U.S. involvement in Iraq.
“The military is designed to kill, maim and destroy,” Jones said.
Jones, a self-proclaimed counter-recruiter, tells would-be recruits what to expect when they join the military.
Dozens of veterans were present at the rally.
Peace activist Sara Rich of Eugene told protesters that her daughter said “not to worry” because the recruiter assured her that military police don’t get sent to Iraq. Months later, Rich’s “worst fears came true” when her daughter was deployed.
Rich became emotional as she talked about spending July 4 with her daughter, who cringed as fireworks exploded because it reminded her of the gunfire she heard in Iraq.
At one point, everyone took a moment of silence for those who lost their lives in the war, while motorists honked in support as they passed.
“As I look around today, I see a lot of young people, and they demand something better,” retired University political science professor Dan Goldrich said as attendees cheered.
University graduate student Brian Bogart condemned the University’s involvement with the military, while activists handed out fliers and supported Bogart’s cause.
Activist and former University student Lada Kovol said she wants to rid the university system of military research contracts.
“I have a friend at Oregon State University who said he is working on stuff for the military,” she said.
Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy, who attended the rally, said she wants to support U.S. troops, but there is “a better solution than the loss of lives, both those of our soldiers and of Iraqi citizens.”
Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Springfield, was not present, but he offered a statement urging citizens to help with the anti-war effort by changing minds.
“Don’t just preach to the choir,” he said, mentioning that he had an unofficial hearing with some of his colleagues to discuss ways to withdraw from Iraq.
Rally spokeswoman and activist Jean Schauerman said a handful of local coalitions helped to make the rally possible, but most of the main organizers were rallying in Washington, D.C.
The Democratic Party of Lane County Chairwoman Val Hoyle said her party wants the U.S. government to spend money on U.S. infrastructure instead of the war.
“We believe strongly we should take a stand on getting out of Iraq,” she said.
Some participants carpooled to Albany for a statewide rally that took place later on Saturday.

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