Crawford, Texas

Over 800 hundred demonstrators from across the state converged on dusty Crawford, Texas, home of George Bush's ranch—the retreat where he spent the month before 9/11/01 on vacation, ignoring warnings of a coming attack.

The march was led by previous war veterans carrying a large banner which read: "Veterans For Peace"and filled the only major highway in the town. The marchers stretched all the way from the park to the Crawford Peace House, a Quaker center just inside the city limits. The march returned to the park for a rally, featuring Shannon Sharrock, a member of Military Families Speak Out and a 1997 West Point graduate. Her husband, Joe, will be returning home from Iraq soon, after a long deployment. Standing in front of a sign saying, "Bring 'Em On Home," she denounced the administration "chicken hawks," saying "George W. Bush sent our solders to die in an ill-conceived war."

Ralph Nader made a surprise appearance, though many participants were wary of his political motives, given his recent announcement that he will enter the presidential race. People came to Crawford not to endorse a presidential candidate, but to draw attention to the unjust occupation in Iraq as well as the United States misuse of (and lack of support for) its troops.

The last word goes to Tony Vee, 70 years old and a 38 year veteran. He came from Austin to help other vets carry an empty, flag-draped coffin, symbolizing the troops who have died. He told a reporter form the Fort Worth Star Telegram, "This war was a mistake; it was unnecessary. And I say that as a conservative Republican. We shouldn't be in this war."

posted 22 march 2004