Demonstrators from all over the world rallied against war with Iraq Saturday.
In Austin, anti-war protestors gathered at the Capitol condemning war and expressing solidarity with U.S. troops and veterans.
The group Austin Against War organized the rally and close to 5,000 people showed up to chant anti-war sentiment and march down Congress Avenue.
Speakers included U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, political satirist Molly Ivins and counter culturist Wavy Gravy.
"I am out here today to join with millions of proud Americans to stand up to say war sucks!" said protester Wavy Gravy.
The crowd included a wide range of people from lawmakers to parents with their children.
"I just thought it was a good idea to show my support for those who are against the war to put a different face on the protestors. They're not just students and hippies but they're mothers who are saddened at what's going to happen to the babies in Iraq," demonstrator Mary Allen said.
Louis Malfaro, the event's master of ceremonies and a member of the Austin Central Labor Union, told protesters that they didn't have to support President Bush's policy toward Iraq to be a patriot.
Malfaro also said he thinks President Bush seems to have lost his purpose and direction.
"President Bush, real homeland security starts at home, in schools and states, focus your attention on need of our people, not chasing a war," he said.
Malfaro said Saturday's rally is not just about anti-war sentiments, but he thinks many people at the rally are no longer sure what their leaders stand for.
"This isn't the America that eradicated slavery. This isn't the America of the civil rights movement," he said.
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Anti-war rally
News 8 Austin's Tanya Martinez reports from the Capitol.
 
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Malfaro claims it's time for change.
"We're trying to stop this war from moving forward and we are trying to create a movement across the globe. There are better ways to solve problems," he said.
After the rally, the group marched down Congress Avenue to Barton Springs, ending on Riverside Drive.
It was the second major protest on the Capitol's south lawn in a month.
