Over 2300 people gathered in Portland today to memorialize those who died in last Tuesday's attacks on the East Coast, and to demand that the U.S. government not go to war in response. Though this march was unpermitted, Portland police allowed it to take over the streets, and blocked intersections for the crowd. Signs, banners, and speakers all expressed messages of peace, in contrast to the drive for vengeance being encouraged by the government and much of the population.

The newly-formed Portland Peaceful Response made the call for today's event. The coalition decribes itself as "individuals and groups from many diverse backrounds united for a singlular cause: to see a peaceful resolution to these events, and to promote and protect the peace of those who may be unduly discriminated against as a result."

[ Photos | Portland Peaceful Response website ]