Protestors rally at Pentagon to demand peace

WASHINGTON- Protestors gathered to rally against war and violence outside the Pentagon on Saturday after participating in the Women’s March on the Pentagon.

The idea for the Women’s March on the Pentagon was sparked by anti-war movements during the days of the Vietnam War. Protestors held signs with anti-war messages, such as “Get People out of Afghanistan” and “More War No More.” Some participants walked around handing out anti-war agendas. Other participants asked people to sign petitions.

Protestors shared common goals, such as wanting peace and having less money spent on wars in the United States.  

Paula Iasella, an organizer of the march, says that she protests against war for many reasons. She said that she feels the United States does not have a reason for entering into wars.

“I imagine it’s the corruption within our government and the fact that we don’t really know why we’re in wars and why we’re spending trillions of dollars to be in war when no one is attacking us,” Iasella said when asked why she feels strongly about protesting against war. “We’re not defending ourselves against any country.”

Iasella also emphasized the importance of people coming out to rallies in order for change to actually be created.

“If nobody shows up to these rallies, how will they know how we feel?” Iasella said. “We have to show up. People have to show up with signs and voices.”

Rally participant Steve Dulaney explained that it is not always easy to be involved in a protest. However, he said sharing his pro-Palestinian views in this setting was not difficult.

“It’s easy today because I demonstrate for the White House,” Dulaney said. “I have a lot of problems with the White House. This is easy. Everyone agrees with me.”

Josie Lenwell and Martha Hubert are long-term members of Code Pink, which Lenwell described as a women-initiated peace group that works to “bring the resources of militarization back to the people for basic needs.” Lenwell explained that war has an impact on many facets of life.

“War touches all the issues,” Lenwell said. “It ruins our climate, it destroys people, it destroys lands, it destroys everything of value.”

Hubert said that the government could be spending money on other societal issues.

“I guess I’m most interested in the environment,” Hubert said. “The military is the worst polluter there is of anything. The money that we spend on the military could be so much better spent.”

About 200 people attended the rally. While there was hope for a greater turnout, Lenwell and Hubert still thought the event was a success.

“Obviously I wish there were more people here,” Lenwell said, “But certainly it’s an enthusiastic and dedicated group. We know so many of the people who are here.”

Hubert said it was “nice to see so many different organizations coming together,” such as Code Pink and Veterans for Peace. She also said it was nice to see religious people there.

“It’s the beginning of the next movement. May it be so,” Lenwell said. “It’s a small beginning, but may it be so.”

Event organizer Paula Iasella holds her sign reading “No War” at the rally for the Women’s March on the Pentagon.