War protesters rally outside Roskam office
About 70 people carrying anti-war banners and boxes meant to represent caskets marched on the Bloomingdale office of U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam on Sunday following a rally to oppose the ongoing war in Afghanistan.
Paul Sjordal of suburban-based DuPage Against War Now said that while the rally would not in itself force the changes he said are needed, it still served a purpose.
"It's important they express their feelings about what our government is doing wrong," he said. "We have got to look at the basic systems of our government if we really want significant change."
Sjordal is a retired Air Force veteran who has been with the organization for about two years.
The rally in Old Town Park brought together four peace organizations in the region. Following a 45-minute rally, the crowd marched down Bloomingdale Road to Roskam's office.
The war in Afghanistan began on Oct. 7, 2001, in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The rally marked the 8th anniversary of the start of the war.
Marchers also intended to deliver a letter asking Roskam, a Wheaton Republican, for a withdrawal of troops and requesting a meeting with the representative.
The letter said a majority of Americans oppose the war in Afghanistan, and that Roskam should work toward an exit strategy because of that opposition.
However, Roskam's office was closed, and organizers said they will deliver the letter during the week.
Kathy Kelly, who has been a peace activist for more than 25 years, said the reason for the rally was to be sure Roskam realized that people were growing weary of the war.
"It's our responsibility to keep letting his staffers know that we are not going to go away," she said. "Wars are always horrific. They're always traumatizing to children."
Kelly is director of Chicago-based Voices for Creative Nonviolence.
During her speech, Kelly said that despite the weariness felt in the United States, it's much worse abroad.
"If we think we're weary, imagine the people in Afghanistan and Pakistan today," she said.
Dave Martin, the coordinator of the West suburban faith-based Peace Coalition, said he hoped Roskam would work with the groups. He said he was happy with the turnout.
"The energy was good," he said. "People are always happy to be a part of speaking out on behalf of their convictions."