On April 4, 1967 Dr. Martin Luther King spoke out against the Vietnam War at the Riverside Church, presenting a world without poverty, war and racism. On the anniversary of Dr. King’s speech, on April 4, 2009, the United For Peace and Justice organized a peace march on Wall Street in an effort to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and favor funding local communities rather than military budgets.

Arriving at Broadway and Leonard Street in lower Manhattan, it was inspiring to see the wide spectrum of people gathered to march and boisterously express their opinions. Despite threatening grey skies, cold weather and wind gusts over 35 mph, several thousand demonstrators, young and old gathered to voice their common oppositions.

Escorted by an NYPD force, which at times seemed nearly as large as the demonstrators, the march preceded in an orderly fashion. Although demonstrators maintained a peaceful disposition, they didn’t shy from letting themselves be heard. As the march began its journey down Broadway a demonstrator via a megaphone asked, “What do we want?”
“Peace!”
“When do we want it?”
“Now!”

Among the attendees was Brian Cameron who marched dressed in his former West Point Academy uniform holding a solitary rose as a symbol of peace. He dropped out of West Point several years ago citing personal conflicts with the academy’s policies. The march was Cameron’s first time participating in an anti-war demonstration and the first time he had worn his uniform since leaving West Point. “For the first time in my life, I am truly proud to wear this uniform. I’m wearing this today for the people.”

Several students from El Puente Academy For Peace and Justice helped form the youth contingency armed with slogans, excitement and an almost contagious energy. One El Puente staffer pointedly said, “This is an exciting time for these kids to stand up for something they believe in.”

It is indeed an exciting time to express ourselves and this time it seems someone may even be listening.

Jon Vachon is a freelance photographer living in Brooklyn.

Copyright Last Exit 2009