July 3, 2006
- Cindy Sheehan, mother of killed U.S. soldier Casey Sheehan; and co-founder
of Code Pink, the women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the war in Iraq, formed
an Independence Day weekend rally in Washington, D.C. July 3rd and 4th, in an effort to bring an end to the U.S.
war in Iraq.
The rally, joined
by activist Dick Gregory , The Granny Peace Brigade, along with local ministers and supporters,
began in Dupont Park and continued a few blocks down P street to the statue of Mahatma Ghandi.
Bring
the Troops Home Fast! is the new slogan for CodePink, whose last demonstration in Washington, D.C. was on Mothers' Day
2006. When asked if the efforts of CodePink and other action groups like The Granny Peace Brigade are making a difference,
Ms. Sheehan stated “There are small miracles everyday”.
As one might expect,
there was opposition to the rally lead by supporters of the war in Iraq. Positioned across the street from the CodePink demonstration they chanted; "We gave
peace a chance – we got 9/11!" Acting like school kids
at times, and holding a banner that said Cindy Just Wants Attention, they also shouted “boring” several
times as CodePink participants of the event spoke.
CodePink plans
to continue their fasting and demonstrations in front of the White House. To
participate in the fast, to learn about demonstrations, or to learn more about the mission of CodePink click here.
