More than 100 people lined the intersection of Lincoln Way and Welch Avenue on Sunday to voice their views on the current war with Iraq. Disagreeing widely on Operation Iraqi Freedom, those present agreed no one likes war.

Carrying signs that read, “Saddam Must Go” and “Support Our Troops,” among other things, about 35 people gathered to show support for President Bush and American troops in Iraq.

Dave Sprau, chairman of the ISU College Republicans, which organized the Support the Troops Rally, said it is important to support American troops during the conflict.

“[We want] troops and their families to know there are people who stand behind them,” said Sprau, sophomore in journalism and mass communication.

Ames resident Evelyn Thielen has four nephews in the military, two of whom are pilots on aircraft carriers. She said she is concerned the prevalence of peace protests could hurt the morale of American soldiers overseas.

April Young, vice-chairwoman of the College Republicans and senior in English, agreed with Thielen.

“It affects officers still here and that carries over,” she said of the protesters’ impacts on troop morale. Young said the rally to support troops was meant to counter peace protests.

United States Rep. Tom Latham, R-Iowa, was among the ralliers showing support for the troops. He said Saddam Hussein must be removed from power.

“I think it’s very important to rid Iraq of its brutal dictator,” he said.

Nine-year-old Kourtney Richards of Des Moines was also among the ralliers showing support for President Bush and American troops.

She said her father fought in Afghanistan.

Richards said she wants other boys and girls who have parents in the military to know that “everything will be OK.”

Across the road, roughly 80 people gathered to show their commitment to peace, carrying signs that read “Fight Poverty, Not Iraq” and “Time For Peace.”

Peace supporters have been gathering since January to protest a war with Iraq, said David Grimesey, senior in political science.

Jon Meier, member of Time for Peace and senior in religious studies said, “We’re supporting our troops by calling for their withdrawal [from Iraq].”

Meier said he believes Saddam Hussein needs to be removed from office, but that it can be accomplished without war. He said the group fully supports American troops and he doesn’t see how anti-war protesters’ actions hurt the morale of American soldiers.

Latham disagreed.

“To say you’re against what [American troops] are doing is anything but supporting them,” he said.

Latham said the prevalence of peace protesters is “very disheartening.”

“An overwhelming majority of Americans support our troops,” he said.