3-17-05, 12:43 pm

As Congress gets set to hand Bush another $82 billion that he originally promised wouldn't be needed to fight his illegal war, this weekend marks the two-year anniversary of the beginning of Bush's war on Iraq. As of today, over 580 towns and cities in all 50 states plan anti-war activities, according to the country's largest peace coalition United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ).

Peace demonstrators will work to remind their communities of the human cost of Bush's war. Over 1,500 US service members have been killed and 100,000 Iraqi civilians have also been killed since Bush ordered the bombing and invasion of Iraq. More than 11,000 soldiers have been wounded, and according to Veterans' Administration records, over 27,000 Iraq war veterans have also been diagnosed with illnesses and health problems incurred during the war.

Meanwhile, violence continues to plague Iraq with no end in sight.

All over the United States, and all around the world, people will be converging through the March 18-20 weekend to protest the war and occupation, mourn the losses, and demand immediate U.S. withdrawal from Iraq. Some examples include: Marches, rallies, vigils, and nonviolent civil disobedience actions in Juneau, AK; Atlanta, GA; Wilmington, DE; Appleton, WI; Springfield, MO; Amarillo, TX; and elsewhere, with many of them focused on military recruitment centers. Interfaith memorial services in Des Moines, IA; Chicago, IL; New York, NY; Portland, OR; and elsewhere. These are being organized as part of a call by Clergy and Laity Concerned about Iraq, a new UFPJ-supported initiative. A major regional mobilization in Fayetteville, NC, home to Fort Bragg – ground zero for the 82nd Airborne Division and many of the Army's elite units. Beyond Fort Bragg, North Carolina hosts four other of the nation's largest military bases, making the state one of the friendliest to the military-industrial complex.

Less well known is the fact that Fayetteville is also home to a growing base of anti-war activists and organizations. They are military folks, veterans, families of active-duty soldiers and veterans, students, workers, housewives, clergy, educators, and all are part of a vibrant, and growing, statewide network. They stand firm in the knowledge that organizing in Fayetteville is a key to bringing the troops home from Iraq.

Military Families Speak Out, Bring Them Home Now, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Veterans For Peace, Quaker House, Fayetteville Peace with Justice, the North Carolina Peace and Justice Coalition, and the North Carolina Council of Churches are spearheading the Fayetteville action.

The demonstration in Fayetteville, among others, also marks an upsurge in activity among this country's faith communities against Bush's war

After two years of pointless and costly war, the anti-war movement is more determined than ever. And with increased organizing by military families, veterans, faith communities, and young people who are resisting predatory military recruiters, the movement is growing broader and more diverse each day. Join us in taking action this weekend to bring the troop home now!

Local community members who are interested in lending their voices to stop Bush's illegal war can do the following: Find an event in your area at United for Peace List your event on our calendar at Events Download and distribute our 'Costs of Endless War' leaflets Donate to United for Peace and Justice to support our anti-war work: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/donate.