Anti-war protestors pass through Greencastle
PAT FRIDGEN Echo Pilot

Anti-war protestors were in Greencastle Aug. 25 on their way to Washington DC. From left, are: March of the People founder Mario Penalver, Gordy Heuer, Elliott Nesch, Ed Branthaver; and in front - Tina Richards and Kathleen Gabel.

Saturday, in the scorching afternoon heat, a small contingent of people opposed to the war in Iraq entered Greencastle from the west and turned south toward Hagerstown. One had walked from Colorado and another, the founder of March of the People, started in Chicago.

Mario Penalver, Seattle, a Humanities graduate student at the University of Chicago, conceived the idea of the walk in April. He was disgusted by the lack of acknowledgement from the White House and Congress on the anti-war sentiment of American citizens. He organized a walk from Chicago to Washington DC, beginning June 21 and ending with a rally on Sept. 11.

Penalver, who walks 15 to 20 miles a day for the 800-mile journey, has been joined by like-minded folk for periods of time, perhaps as short as a day or for weeks.

March of the People demands "an immediate withdrawal of US troops from Iraq and the impeachment of those leaders who oppose it¿" he states on his website.

The solution to the war is to "embrace something more than violence in destroying the enemy," he said during a rest stop two miles south of town. "We need to talk about who we can help rather than who we can kill."

Since the conflict in Iraq originated from the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Penalver criticized America's reaction to the tragic day.

"The response was wrong," he said. "People wanted to know who to kill rather than to question our foreign policy. Then we can start talking about long-term solutions."

He was not opposed to discussion with Al Qaeda leaders. Concerning Osama Bin Laden, he asked, "Where did he come? Why does he hate us?"

He preferred feeding the hungry and building schools as a way to interact with the international community.

Elliott Nesch, who left Colorado on foot March 1, joined Penalver in Cleveland after his walking partner dropped out. The two were participating in The March for Truth, Nesch's own version of a walk for peace.

"I'm protesting Christians in support of the war," he said.

On Aug. 19 Penalver received word that Grassroots America was a new sponsor of March of the People. That national organization was launched by Tina Richards of St. Louis, an anti-war activist. Along with the support came $500 toward expenses by an anonymous donor.

Richards sat on a lawn along U.S. 11, busy on a laptop.

"I'm the mother of a son, a Marine, who served two tours in Iraq," she said.

Since joining the walk over the weekend, she helps by driving a support vehicle and corresponding with the March operation team in Chicago, establishing rest stops along the way. Though she would have to leave the group for previous commitments, she planned to walk the last several days into DC.

Gordy Heuer, North Carolina, took a break from college and joined Penalver in Ohio. Ed Branthaver, Williamsport, Md., connected with them in Mc- Connellsburg and stayed for the weekend. Kathleen Gabel, Mt. Rainier, Md., offered her support for the day.

Motorists tooted in response to one of their signs "Honk 4 Peace." A woman stopped with a bag of cold Gatorade. Penalver and his companions depend on such hospitality from strangers.

Through word-of-mouth, people are aware of their travels. Penalver has had a roof over his head every night. A Mercersburg family was picking them up that evening to provide them with food and shelter. It would drop them off at the same spot on Sunday.

Penalver said he has stayed with four families of deployed soldiers.

"Parents remind us we're marching for their children in Iraq," he said.

Three times people have tossed things out car windows at him, including a bottle Saturday. It hit one of the walkers.

"Seventy percent of Americans are against this war," he said. "The thirty percent in favor of it are the most violent and hate-filled people."

March of the People expected participation from Cindy Sheehan and Medea Benjamin, prominent anti-war personalities. Penalver said hundreds of students from San Francisco were participating in the walk as well, taking a southern route and receiving more attention than his small group. His website reported he had collected $1290 in donations toward expenses, with a goal of $10,000.

He had no specific plan of action for Washington D.C.

"The journey is more important than the destination," he said. "We are here to let people know about the war and tell them 'You have the power to change history.'

"This is not a joy-ride. Peace is always possible."