On March 15th, 2008, over 200 people came out to Heartside Park from Grand Rapids and beyond to protest the occupation of Iraq as it enters its sixth year. At around 12:00 PM, informational fliers, posters, and chant sheets were passed out, and the media spokesperson began to conduct interviews with the various media outlets present. While people were still trickling in, two members of ACTIVATE (Grand Rapids SDS) said a few words about the financial and human cost of the war, as well as the ineffectiveness of elections in relation to ending the war. As they finished the crowd began to march and chant going north on Ionia and then east on Cherry. As we approached Division St. the banners turned towards Fulton as people began to march in the street.
At around Weston St. the police began to force our fellow protestors back onto the sidewalk. While people were walking back onto the sidewalk a police officer pulled one individual out of the crowd, handcuffed him, and put him in a squad car. As people shouted “LET HIM GO!” the squad car took off with the protester in the back seat. The march then continued towards Veterans Park.
Awaiting us were 6 or so men flipping us off with signs saying “support the troops, win the war!” attempting to block us from walking by the memorial. As the march flooded through the park, a sign saying “3,900 + troops dead” was placed in the ground. The march continued through the GRCC campus west down Lyon St. and north on Ottawa. The march turned west onto Michigan, placing a banner reading “MEDIA LIES = IRAQ WAR” on the Grand Rapids Press building, and then continued onto Monroe.
As we turned up Monroe Center, the march took to the streets again shouting “NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE, US OUT OF THE MIDDLE EAST!” As the march turned right on Ottawa another protester was grabbed from the crowd and arrested while stepping back onto the side walk. The purpose was clear; the police were using random arrests as a tactic of suppression and intimidation. As the march finished at Heartside Park announcements were quickly made in order to gather money for those arrested. More than enough was raised and over 16 people went to the jail to bail them out.
The march was a success in terms of relaying the message that the US needs to pull out all troops, private mercenaries and U.S. bases out of Iraq immediately! It was also a reminder that if we are to successfully end this war we must be more direct in holding politicians accountable and closing or impeding institutions that perpetuate US imperialism.
Media Coverage:
Protest Calls for End to the US Occupation of Iraq
Local News Coverage of Antiwar March in Grand Rapids
Video: Iraq War Protest – March 15
2 Arrested in Downtown Grand Rapids War Protest
U.N: Iraq Has a Window of Opportunity, While Group Demands Withdrawal
Hope you’ll post some or all of this on westmichiganrising.com
I wasn’t there, but the GR police I know are good guys and probably most are pretty sympathetic. At the same time, it’s their job to keep the roads clear. What happened to the arrested? I understand they were bailed out quickly. Are there charges?
Anyway, it’s up to you, but I’d suggest an emphasis on the message. Do you have links to the handouts and info?
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