Today we mark the fourth anniversary of the unprovoked invasion of Iraq by the United States. Since March 19, 2003, well over 3,000 American soldiers have been lost and thousands more injured. Since March 19, 2003, uncounted thousands of Iraqis have been killed and millions displaced. Sadly, the numbers on all sides continue to rise.

We, members of the Erie Peace Initiative, stand here today, March 19, 2007, preventing others from passing through the entrance of this Federal Building as a symbolic and yet very concrete action, demanding an end to the tragedy that is the war in Iraq. We cannot sit silent and let business go on as usual while our people in uniform are placed at risk and the Iraqi people continue to suffer. In the past four years, we have written the president, our elected representatives, and newspapers. We have kept vigil; we have marched. Today calls us to take an even deeper stand.

We stand here today in mourning of those who have been lost and in hope that by our action even one life will be saved. We call for:

• an immediate withdrawal of all U.S. military personnel from Iraq
• no more troop deployments
• no permanent bases in Iraq
• an increase in funding for Iraq veterans.

We do not delude ourselves that our small action will bring an end to war in Iraq. However, we stand in solidarity with the many throughout this country who take similar actions in their commitment to the Declaration of Peace, and we believe deeply that together we can and we will bring an end to the tragedy in Iraq.

(Declaration of Peace Pledges attached)