So, we went downtown around noon to check out the Ottawa version of the Antiwar protest. It was a beautiful sunny day, the kind of day that makes you want to go outside.
(Note: Same photos as in diary, but for larger sizes see my Ottawa Antiwar Protest photoset here.)
Canadian flag fluttering softly in the breeze.
(More below the fold)
As we approached Confederation Park, we could hear people speaking through loudspeakers. There were a few police cars – 5 that I counted, and about 10 officers standing around or walking through the park.
Confederation Park initial staging location.
The gathering was smaller than, but as eclectic as I expected. There were about six different causes represented, all with tables set up displaying their leaflets and other information. I think the focus on so many issues really took away from the main message. (In fact, I agree with some of the arguments made in NewDem’s diary, I’m On the Verge of Saying Screw the Anti-War Rally.)
Information tables in Confederation Park.
People were relaxing – some laying full out – enjoying the day while listening to the speeches. There was a wide range of ages, from the older to the younger. A couple of the younger kids had their stuffed toys with them! Some of the people appeared to be tourists, who wandered through, stopped to listen for a time, then moved on. People continued to arrive throughout the speeches.
Speeches in Confederation Park.
Ottawa’s Raging Grannies turned out. They’re so cute!
Raging Grannies from Ottawa.
When the speeches finished, they organized everyone into march form, getting people to help hold banners. They also practiced a few chants, like: “George Bush – Terroriste! Paul Martin – Accomplice!” The police blocked off the traffic at the intersections along the route, and we were off.
March begins.
March turns up Elgin.
The Grannies were handing out info-leaflets along the route.
March turns onto Queen.
We split from the group and headed over to the Hill, in order to catch the group arriving.
Protest arrives on the Hill.
There were two young guys representing the anti-protest side: they were the only anti-protestors that we saw at all. They stood silently on the fringes during the speeches at Confederation Park, holding their signs which read: “HIPPIES SUCK” and “GWB IS YOUR FATHER!” (Not really sure what that last one means… :o)
Once the protest arrived on the Hill, they sat at the Eternal Flame, where a couple of protestors engaged them in a conversation about their signs. A few chuckles on both sides, a few rolls of the eyes and scoffs, but overall politeness all around.
Anti-protestors at the Eternal Flame.
Another round of speeches started once the group set up their amps and microphone stand.
Protest on the Hill.
Antiwar speeches on the Hill.
We left shortly thereafter, rambling back past the Peace Monument and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A reminder of why we protest; why it matters.
Peace Monument.
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Watching the 6pm evening news tonight (CJOH), they had a short segment on the protest, with a bit of video footage. The newscaster said hundreds marched. A report from the CBC had this,
Protests were also held in Canadian cities.
In Ottawa, about 200 anti-war advocates hit the streets, calling for Canada and the U.S. to end their “occupations” in Iraq, Afghanistan and Haiti.
At one point, the marchers paused at Parliament Hill where several speakers denounced Canada’s complicity in U.S.-led wars.
“We love our troops, bring them home,” said Federico Carvajal of Together Against War.
“We don’t want to be responsible for those human rights violations that we are currently responsible for.”
The march began at Confederation Park and finished at the U.S. Embassy.
In Toronto, several hundred people waved banners and anti-war signs in front of the U.S. Consulate before marching to the Ontario Liberal party offices.
A report from CTV had this,
Canadians are taking to the streets in several cities too, from Calgary to Toronto, Vancouver to Halifax.
In Ottawa, about 200 anti-war advocates hit the streets, calling for Canada and the U.S. to end their “occupations” in Iraq, Afghanistan and Haiti.
“We love our troops, bring them home,” said Federico Carvajal of Together Against War.
“We don’t want to be responsible for those human rights violations that we are currently responsible for.”
In Toronto, several hundred people waved banners and anti-war signs in front of the U.S. Consulate before marching to the Ontario Liberal party offices.
I couldn’t find any other news sources, nor any information on the other protests in Canadian cities. I’ll continue checking, but if anyone has info or links, post a comment.
It was a good day – I’m happy that I got off my butt and participated in some small way.
It was amazing to come home and see how many turned out in DC (and in London!). Also, it seems like more media is picking up the story now (well, non-CNN media). In any case, it was great to spend the day among people who feel that what is happening is wrong; to join my voice to theirs … all over the world. In the words of Cindy Sheehan,
“This war is immoral, it will end,” said Sheehan. “The darkness will never overcome the light.” (link)
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Photo Links
Flickr Photos of Toronto Protest (link)
Flickr photos, tagged ‘sept24’ (link), and ‘antiwar’ (link)
Related Links
Ottawa Antiwar Protest (link)
Toronto Antiwar Protest (link)
Canadian Peace Alliance (link)
Canadian Cities Participating In Sept 24 Protest (link)