Discourse and democracy reigned from Lincoln Center on Tuesday evening as nearly 400 activists gathered in contrariety to the day marking the beginning of the fifth year of the Iraq war. Cheering, chanting, honking and unified cause bound the congregation as they waved signs, prompted organizational agendas and reminded observers that, as Americans practicing their patriotic duties, they were in opposition to escalation in Iraq.

“The sensible, patriotic thing to do to best support our troops is to bring them home now,” said Sue Dinsdale, a Huxley resident whose son recently returned from serving two terms in Iraq. “As a mother, I cannot stand to think of another family waiting and wondering for months on end – and for what?”

Kuper Bergman, 15, is a freshman at Ames High School and attended the rally to represent his age demographic.

“Many students don’t really care, but I believe we should be educated – we are the future leaders of this country,” Bergman said. “I don’t want to see any more Americans die.”

Gregory Bonett, senior in electrical engineering and president of Time for Peace, led chants and cheers before the massive assembly made its way northwest to the Ames City Auditorium.

Ross Eveland, sophomore in history, attended the event, but credited his participation to more than just his discordance with the violence in Iraq.

During his time at Luther College, Eveland studied Ghandi and Martin Luther King Jr., which he says cemented his belief in peace.

“Learning about nonviolent social action, Ghandi, King and civil disobedience solidified my feeling that killing innocent people is wrong,” Eveland said.

After hearing Eveland’s prerogative, nearby Ames resident, Carolyn Raffensperger, 33, expressed her appreciation.

“To hear that says to me that we are going to hand the world over to a generation with a heart and a mind,” Raffensperger said. “I care a lot about what we are leaving to our future generations – that is really important to me.”

While en route to the city auditorium, the marching peace promoters met opposing demonstrators at the Veterans Memorial, 5th Street and Grand Avenue.

“We want the war over as well, but we don’t want to pull out. It shows a sign of weakness,” said Kevin Taylor, senior in management.

Lacey Morris, senior in child, adult and family services, and Ken Arnold, Ames resident and Veteran who served seven years in the Marine Corps, were also there to support the Iraq war.

“Running away from your enemies is not the answer,” Morris said.

“We would not have those American flags they are carrying if it weren’t for war.”

Timothy Stewart, assistant professor of natural resource ecology and management, attended with his 3-year-old daughter, Gwen.

“I have been against the war from the start, and my daughter wanted to go to a parade,” Stewart said, laughing. “This encourages people to question our government, which is part of being an American.”

Bob Moline, Ames resident, also brought his children to the rally.

“We came to see the hippies,” said Katie Moline, 7.

Bob, who referred to himself as the “Lone Republican,” had other incentives for attending.

“I brought my kids so they could see democracy,” Moline said. “I am a Republican, personally, and support the war.”

The evening’s excitement settled as the marchers arrived at the auditorium to listen to speakers and representatives from the supporting organizations. Acoustic duo Don and Danielle Woodward sang Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin'” as supporters filed in.

Ending the occupation to bring the troops home, preventing war with Iran and building a peace presence in Ames were the goals of the civic action highlighted by Carlie Tartakov, member of Alliance for Global Justice and ISU professor emeritus of curriculum and instruction, during her address.

Spencer Arritt, junior at Ames High and member of the Ames High Progressive Club, took the stage to read the names of the 32 soldiers who were killed in Iraq in the past 12 days, followed by a solemn speech by fellow member Bobby Hunter.

Hunter stressed the need for our nation to “denounce war the way we denounced terrorism, and treasure peace the way we treasure security.”

The event was sponsored by Alliance for Global Justice, Iowa Citizen Action Network, Time for Peace, Iowans for Sensible Priorities, Ames High Progressive Club and other progressive organizations.