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Youngstown M19 report back from rally
by crosspost
Tuesday, Mar. 22, 2005 at 4:52 PM
about 200 people standing in solidarity
YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO RALLY TO END THE WAR
The Valley Coalition for Peace and Justice sponsored an "End the War, Bring Our
Troops Home Now" rally outside the Federal Courthouse in Youngstown, Ohio on March
19, 2005. It was an exciting day with about 200 people standing in solidarity for
peace and for an end to the senseless killing of fellow human beings. It was
encouraging to see high school students and younger children standing for peace with
us. Two preteen cousins, Diandra and Haley, opened the rally with a blessing. We
chanted, held signs of peace and protest and listened to impassioned people read
poetry, sing, rap, and share their thoughts, hopes, and frustrations.
Our Coalition was most fortunate to host Kevin and Monica Benderman, who both spoke
at the rally. Kevin is a conscientious objector who faces a court-martial on May
11. He was in Iraq; he saw the horror and doesn't want anyone else to have to
experience war. Please go to the Benderman's website http://www.Bendermandefence.com to
offer your support.
Other speakers at the rally included Ben White, a high school student, who spoke
eloquently about his understanding of the possibility of a draft and how that would
affect him and his friends; longtime activists Staughton Lynd and Rev. Lonnie Simon;
poets Arya Jenkins, Jim Jordan, and Doug Fowler; and coalition members Rick Pirko
and Gary Sexton. Cleveland folk singer Susan Hagan and local hip hop artist Lucky
Penny provided inspiring and rousing music.
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