Folks from and around Rochester, Ithaca, and Utica met in their respective cities yesterday morning (May 8th) and began their peace march—scheduled to run (or walk) from May 8-17—to Fort Drum located in Watertown, NY. The feeder marches will converge north of Syracuse, NY before moving on to Fort Drum.

According to their website, New York State Marches for Peace, folks from "across the state [are marching to Ft. Drum] to bring support to our active duty soldiers and Iraq Veterans Against the War. This march will be an act of re-birthing civic duty and responsibility to defend our Constitution and strengthen our resolve to stop the damage this unjust, illegal, and immoral war is doing to our families, communities, the world and most of all, soldiers."

Kathy Castania, a local, anti-war activist and one of the organizers of the march, wrote a report back for the Rochester feeder march: The Rochester Feeder March had an “incredibly good start.” With good press coverage at the Storefront, Mike and Brian from IVAW spoke, along with members of Military Families and Vets fro Peace. A heartfelt circle of walkers expressed their hopes for the Walk. The Walk, with media walking along, covered about 12 miles. With “gusto” literatuyre was handed out to many passer-bys and at homes along the way. The evening program had a presentation on PTSD by a conscientious objector from the armed forces and a member of Military Families Speak Out. “We received amazing support and found a very positive attitude on the road. The group of 25 walkers started the day, along with a mini-bus, a u-haul, and two cars. At the end of the day eleven walkers were treated to foot baths at a yoga/healing place.

Check the New York State Marches for Peace website for daily updates about the marches.

Video: NYS Marches for Peace, Ithaca Feeder, May 8th, 2008

Photos: Photo Gallery of Ithaca Feeder March, May 8, by Marty Luster

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