Cindy Sheehan Joins Peace Activists for Demonstration in Sacramento July 29th

Cindy Sheehan joined about 300 local activists at 16th & Broadway in Sacramento on the evening of July 29th for a demonstration against the ongoing occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan and Israel's military offensive against innocent civilians in Lebanon. The demonstration was sponsored by Steve and Virginia Pearcy. Considering the short notice (24 hours), the turnout was impressive and can largely be attributed to Cindy's star power. No one personifies the American Peace Movement like Cindy does and local members of the peace and justice community were excited at the opportunity to meet her in person.

Local media photographed, video taped and interviewed Cindy regarding her current activities, which include plans to camp near President Bush's ranch near Crawford Texas during his annual vacation there next month. Cindy captivated a nation and quickly became the country's most well known gold star mom and peace activist, when she set up camp on the side of the road near Bush's ranch last August and demanded to meet with the President. She wanted to ask Bush directly why he ordered the invasion of Iraq which resulted in the death of her son Casey. Although the President refused to meet with Cindy, her actions sparked a national debate on the Iraq war, ultimately leading to a further eroding of public support for an already unpopular war.

As Cindy circulated through the crowd she was greeted by warm smiles and hugs. She conversed with participants and posed for pictures. She thanked people for there support and they expressed their gratitude for all that she has done and continues to do to end the American occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Traffic through the intersection was fairly heavy and the reaction of passing motorists was almost entirely supportive, as evidenced by their horns, thumbs ups and peace signs. At one point Cindy stood near the edge of the curb on the southeast corner of the intersection with a picture of her son Casey and smiled and gave the peace sign to motorists stopped at the light. The sharp increase in the number and length of the honks of support made it obvious that many of the motorists recognized Cindy. The demonstration continued until nightfall, with signs, anti-war displays and colorful fags of many nations, which looked quite spectacular in the steady breeze.