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As activists used sidewalk chalk to outline the limp bodies, one member mumbled, "More lives are being lost today. More Iraqis and more Americans will die today."
The event, which included a march from Cameron Park to the Post Office, was called to bring to light the cost of the war, the number of civilians who have been killed and to highlight the announced cut of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs budget, an organizer said.
Billy Curmano, regional representative for Vietnam Veterans Against the War, lashed out at the Bush administration for the attack on Iraq.
"The Bush Administration has proven with this pre-emptive war that if it can be justified at all, it can be justified in extreme circumstances. They've taken this war, and they've shoved it down our throats," Curmano said.
Curmano, who said he turned to peace activism after serving in Vietnam, complained that the Bush administration and Congress are preparing to slash spending on veterans at a time when more soldiers are being asked to risk their lives.
"Jingoism and flag waving isn't my idea of patriotism. 'Support the Troops' rings hollow when compared to a $14.6 billion budget cut in veterans programs," Curmano said. "Health care, education, disability and, ironically, burial payments are being cut at a time when we are not just producing more vets but are producing more disabled vets."
During the demonstration, which was met by an occasional negative remark from passing motorists, Curmano and other protestors hammered away at the financial burden the war is placing on the United States.
With aircraft that burn 900 gallons of fuel per hour and missiles that cost upwards of $1 million each, Curmano said, the war comes at a time when the federal deficit continues to grow, and most states are suffering through their toughest budgets in 50 years.
However, Curmano said, the war's impact might not be known until the soldiers come home.
"Most Americans will be shocked by the lack of support that this Congress and president will provide for soldiers when they return home again," he said.
June Kjome spoke about the plight of the innocent Iraqi women and children whose lives are in danger because of the war and urged the other demonstrators to do more to fight the war.
"We cannot give up. We stand for peace, and we want people to know that we support our troops and we want them home now," Kjome said. "Stop the killing now."
Dan Springer can be reached at (608) 791-8269 or at dspringer@lacrossetribune.com.
