WBBM TV 2 -- CHICAGO ― Thousands of protestors in the Chicago area want an end to the Iraq war. In at least 11 cities across the country, the scene was the same. Protestors called this a "National day of action." Thousands turned out in Chicago.
Marchers began in the West Loop and marched east for an hour.
Police estimate 5,000 people protesting the war in Iraq ended up at Federal Plaza.
Protesters gathered at Union Park, at Ashland Avenue and Lake Street. The demonstration began at 1:30 p.m. with a rally, in which union leaders, elected officials and peace activists made speeches, anti-war raps, and chants.
The protest was similar to one on March 20 to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the start of the Iraq War, which drew more than 3,000 people. That march was peaceful and no one was arrested, and organizers of Saturday's march expected the same, but three students were arrested for walking on the street instead of the sidewalk as the permit stated they were supposed to do. They were charged with disobeying a police officer and resisting arrest as well as damage to property.
One woman said officers jumped on two of her friends without provocation.
"Out of nowhere they just tackled him," she said. "They arrested him and my other friend stood up and said 'let him go,' and they arrested him."
Police insist the students resisted arrest. Across the street from the anti-war rally, a small group signaled its support for the war.
"I believe very strongly in our mission in Iraq. And it's very important we have victory in Iraq," said one supporter.
Army veteran James Redmon opposes the war.
"The troops are targets. I just don't really see us winning over there," he said. "I don't see any solution, I don't beleieve there's any military solution."
The march partially closed off Ashland Avenue, Jackson Boulevard and Dearborn Street.
In March 2003 when the Iraq War began, an anti-war protest spilled onto Lake Shore Drive and resulted in dozens of arrest and allegations of police brutality and excessive force by demonstrators. Since then, the war protests downtown have resulted in few or even no arrests. But they have consistently drawn a strong police presence with hundreds of officers in riot gear.
The protest Saturday was organized by the group Chicagoans Against War and Injustice.
Thousands of commuters along the Kennedy also saw signs speaking out against the war in Iraq. Demonstrators draped a huge banner over the Kennedy near the Addison Blue Line station. Chicago police were on hand to make sure the protest was peaceful. There were no problems reported.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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