March to Remember the Living and Dead in Iraq

“Young people, and especially young women, have always played a major role in the struggle for social justice and in opposition to war. It is our duty to help make this new anti-war movement a powerful and effective force. That's why we are mobilizing young people from Washington Heights in New York City to march on the Pentagon on March 17th.” --Claudia de la Cruz, Director, Dominican Women’s Youth Development Center

Don’t throw out those old shoes you’ve got cluttering your house and closets. Put them to good use by taking them to the Nashville Peace and Justice Center where they’ll be used in a march to commemorate the 4th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. Join others in the Nashville Anti-War Rally and March at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 17, at the Owen Bradley Park, Division and 16th (near the Musica Roundabout).

Volunteers will label the shoes with the names of Tennesseans, friends, and family members who have served in Iraq, especially those killed or wounded. Also, volunteers will label shoes with the names of Iraqi men, women, and children who have been killed since the invasion. Participants will carry shoes and organization banners as they walk to the Federal Building at Broadway and 9th at 3:30 p.m. Take your shoes to the Nashville Peace and Justice Center, 1016 18th Avenue South. After the march, the shoes will be donated to Goodwill.

If you’re really adventurous, you can join the March on the Pentagon, also on Saturday, March 17. Buses will leave Friday night, March 16 from the Nashville Peace and Justice Center and return Sunday morning. Requested donation is $100, but a sliding scale fee is available for people who don’t have the funds. A few scholarships are available too. Contact Jane Hussain at janehussain2@aol.com or 650-8868 for more information about the scholarships and the march.

Looking for additional “progressive” things to do? Check out the Middle Tennessee Progressives Calendar. It’s full of scheduled events such as the Fathers in Prison Support Group Meetings and meetings for Mobilizing the Mamas (I may have to check that one out myself).