War anniversary draws demonstrations across US

Denouncing a conflict entering its fifth year, protesters across the United States on Saturday raised their voices against US policy in Iraq and marched by the thousands to the Pentagon in the footsteps of an epic demonstration four decades ago against another divisive war. Counter protests were staged, too, on a day of dueling signs and sentiments such as "Illegal Combat" and "Peace Through Strength," and songs like "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "War (What's It Good For?)." Thousands crossed the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial to rally loudly but peacefully near the Pentagon. Smaller protests were held in other US cities, stretching to Tuesday's four-year anniversary of the Iraq invasion.