PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

"Remember the Dead" march
by gwen Monday, May. 17, 2004 at 1:54 PM

In remembrance of those who have recently died, as well as to denounce the torture and humiliation of Iraqis by U.S. troops, Pittsburgh Organizing Group held a silent "funeral procession" on Sunday, May 16th in Oakland. The march toured past local institutions with specific ties to the war. Flyers to bring about awareness of the ties between CMU and the military were also distributed to passers-by.

The group assembled at noon at the corner of Morewood and Forbes. Many gathered flowers and signs commemorating those who died, each sign having a different name or set of names of a person who has died as a result of the war. Many of the signs also depicted ages of the deceased and the circumstances of death.

The silent march proceeded first to Warner Hall, where they stopped to say a few words on the reasons for the march and read the names of the people who have been killed during the war. Then the march proceeded past the crowds of students and their families leaving the graduation ceremonies past the Student Union and to The Fence in the middle of campus for a few words on the ties between CMU and the military and more readings of names of the deceased.

From CMU, the group then headed down Forbes Ave. to stop in front of CMU's and Pitt's joint ROTC program office. From there, the procession headed north up Craig st. to RAND corporation's headquarters. Then the group headed west to Soliders and Sailors memorial, and from there the Marines Recruiting station on Meyran Ave. At each stop, statements on the relevence of that location were issued, and more names of the dead were read.

After leaving a pile of placards and flowers in front of the recruiting station, the group dispersed.

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