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Chicagoans Protest On 5th Anniversary Of Iraq War

Police Estimate 2,200 People Took Part In A Peaceful Protest That Began In The Loop

CHICAGO (CBS) ― At 10 p.m. in Chicago, it's about 7 a.m. in Iraq, and U.S. troops are entering a sixth year of war there.

Wednesday night, however, Americans are debating, in this country, whether the five years was worth it.

CBS 2's Dana Kozlov reports a group of more than 2,000 protestors in Chicago were orderly, organized and passionate about their cause. Five years, billions of dollars and thousands of lives later, these anti-war protestors still believe in their message. Stop the war in Iraq.

Chicago police estimate 2,200 people gathered in the Loop before marching down Chicago's streets. Some, like 25-year-old Iraqi war veteran Aaron Hughes, have been here before.

"I'm here with the Iraqi veterans against the war, just letting the nation know that the troops are against the war, and that there's a whole culture of dissent and we're letting the nation know that exists."

Others came for the first time.

"It got to a point now where I think it's really important people start standing up more and get their voice heard," said Calumet City resident Jeffrey Tyos.

Carolina Posse even brought her 8-year-old son, Marcello Wright, as a learning experience.

"I think this is a really remarkable time in history," Posse said. "I want him to be part of it."

"I'm just learning we don't actually want all these people going into war and dying," Marcello said. "We want them back."

Marcello's opinion is one many adults here say they'll take with them when they go to the polls this November.

"And hopefully, with a new president elected, it will end soon," said protestor Sandy Ahmad.

There was a strong police presence, too. Hundreds of Chicago, Cook County and other officers lined the route, some in riot gear. But police Supt. Jody Weis says no arrests were made.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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