By Brittany Whitley

Published: March 19, 2008

Approximately 35 demonstrators gathered at Toomer’s Corner Wednesday to reflect on the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

A local grassroots organization, Alliance for Peace and Justice, hosted the demonstration.

Demonstrators held signs that read, “War is not the Answer,” “Support Our Troops, Bring them Home” and “Honk for Peace.”

A steady stream of motorists honked as demonstrators stood with their signs.

There were no pro-war activists at the demonstration.

Michael Mulvaney was the first demonstrator to arrive.

“We think it is important to highlight the impact of the war in national prestige and domestic issues,” he said.

Military preparedness and domestic resources have been diminishing, he said.

He said the group usually demonstrates at every 1,000 soldiers’ deaths to remind people that the conflict costs lives.

“(This is) the fifth anniversary of a war that never should have happened,” said Judy Collins, a member of Alliance for Peace and Justice. “We support our troops. Bring them home.”

Terry Rodriguez said she is not a member of the alliance, just a person who wants peace.

“People are waving and smiling,” she said. “(It) gives me hope.”

Marilyn Garrett of Opelika, who supports ending the Iraq war, said she does not like protesting. In a more perfect world, there would not be a reason for it, she said.

“I was here before the war five years ago,” she said. “I thought it was a bad idea and still think it is a bad idea. ... If a Democrat gets in (the White House), we will get out soon.”

After the demonstration the Alliance for Peace and Justice was hosting a potluck at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on Thach Avenue and a screening of the documentary “No End in Sight.”

The film is about the Iraq war and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary.