On Saturday, March 28th, 120 to 150 activists from across the state marched through downtown Melbourne against US wars and interventions. These include the occupation in Iraq, the escalation in Afghanistan, attacks against Pakistan, our support of Israel’s aggressions against the people of Palestine, and others.

A rally was held at the end point at Melbourne City Hall. A diverse collection of speakers and performers from across the state addressed the crowd. Food Not Bombs did what they do best and shared food with anybody who was hungry. Raging Grannies sang songs against profiteering and the ludicrous escalation planned in Afghanistan. A radical minister spoke of the need for revolution. A couple of long-time activist spoke of the need to support freeing the Cuban 5. A speaker from the Miami Mayday Alliance called on the crowd to join the upcoming May 1st action in Miami.

The rally was organized by the Brevard County based Patriots for Peace. Broward AntiWar endorsed this action along with 66 other groups from across the state.

After the march and rally, a group of about 30 to 40 of us gathered on the balcony of a local bar to form the Florida Peace Congress. We hope that in forming this organization we can offer better communication and support for peace and social justice events throughout the state. The first act of the new group was to endorse the Mayday event in Miami.

It was a great day for the peace and justice communities in Florida. Not only did we boisterously and enthusiastically march and rally against wars and injustice, we laid the groundwork for uniting for greater work in the future.

Jim Sanders
Member, Broward AntiWar Coalition

Pictures from Marilyn and Carol

Florida March For Peace, Melbourne - 03/28/09

Text of Mary's Speech

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Keyonna Summer's report in the Florida Today

Photo Gallery by Christina Stuart, Florida Today