Art Laffin reflects:

On September 20, 2007, over 60 peacemakers from around the U.S. held a nonviolent protest at the U.S. Capitol to call on Congress to end all funding for the immoral and criminal U.S. occupation of Iraq. The protest was sponsored by the National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance and the Declaration of Peace.
Inside the Crypt of the U.S. Capitol, 34 people were arrested for doing a "die-in" to remember all the war-dead. Before each person died-in a name was read of either an Iraqi victim or a U.S. soldier who died in Iraq. We all wore blood-stained shirts and some wore photos of Iraqi victims or U.S. soldiers. Those of us who were arrested were charged with "disorderly conduct" and were released by Capitol police after five hours of processing. We were given three different court dates: Oct. 16, Oct. 18 and Oct. 23.
Outside the Capitol peacemakers carried out a powerful die-in as military veterans, including Iraq veterans stood in solemn formation. There were no arrests outside.
These actions are yet another attempt by peacemakers to call for an immediate end to the U.S. war in Iraq and Afghanistan. We continue to keep our eyes on the prize and we seek to be the change we want to see in the world and strive to create the beloved community.

Pete Perry reflects:

Thursday was a powerful day for the National Campaign of Nonviolent Resistance and Declaration of Peace. We began trickling into the Capitol Building around 9:30 am, individually and small groups. We had to pass through the security building, whereas usually this is reserved for the tour groups only, before ascending three flights of marble stairs to the House Gallery. Some Code Pink women joined us, one confessed to me that they were trying to provide some sort of distraction for us, but I was nervous that it just raised their awareness that something big was going to happen.

We finally got into the gallery after many of us had to check in our bags and cameras. And it was amazing, the House chamber was full -- which is generally unusual! They were taking a vote on adjournment (maybe some wanted to start the weekend early), but it the motion failed. There was about 40 of us in the Gallery. We waited and watched.

The evening before the Washington Peace Center had secured a meeting space for us at Capitol Hill church as we did final plans our action, and went over a few legal ramifications. It was so good to see so many familiar faces, and a few new ones. My friend Don from Alaska was with us. And there were four folks who were participating in nonviolent direct action for the first time.

At 11 a.m., Max O. from Baltimore stood, and then I stood and we made our way out of the gallery. Most followed us, but three or four were seated in a different section and didn't notice until late. And two of us remained on purpose, because they wanted to speak out loudly against the continued illegal and immoral war and occupation to the House members present. And there were a lot of them. For a couple minutes I noticed David Obey (Wisconsin) who had screamed and insulted myself and Marine mom Tina Richards shuffling around on the floor. I was told later the two who spoke out were arrested and removed quickly, but not before they sent a clear message, and the chamber became quiet as many listened.

..............

We returned to the crypt, and those participating in honoring the dead in Iraq, removed their outer shirts to reveal the blood splatters,,, Then the reading of the names, the mentioning of massacred towns, the reminders that the Congress continues to fuel this war and occupation through funding... Then they began to fall to the floor, lifeless and the police quickly moved in.

Students from the school groups watched, transfixed. Some pictures were taken. I am still unsure if there was video taken. The police demanded that those of us not directly participating must leave the crypt, as must the tourists and school groups. As I made my way down the stairs to the west lawn of the Capitol, two women were talking about the protest. "Did you see them?" "Yes, they were covered with red -- like blood." "They are going to get arrested, but good for them."

When I made it outside, I immediately saw the Buddhist monks drumming, and someone had a peace banner. It was a wonderful site. About a half an hour later the outside die-in occurred with VFP and IVAW joining us with a color guard. That was also a powerful action with the use of red fabric for the Rivers of Blood theme.

Anthony Teolis reflects:

Thursday 9/20/07 : IVAW was joined by VFP to serve as honor guard with the same guidons as last Saturday. The honor guard was backed up by another group of regular folks showing their support. Dressed in their IVAW and VFP t-shirts and standing at Parade Rest the honor guard gave notice to those entering the Rayburn House building.

We proceeded in marching procession to the US Capital and stood in front of the Capital for about 20 minutes. The march then took off again for the Senate Dirksen building. Along the way we proceeded past the Jena 6 rally, around the Dirksen building and then again through the rear of the Jena 6 rally.

Following that we were met at the rallying point by Peace Action Montgomery which led to the action presented in the videos. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGnFlih7w5Y

I'm not going to get personal here (that will be for the book) but this was a powerful, humbling action. It followed the arrest of several people who performed an even greater action in the Rotunda. I don't have details but I hope those that do will share them. My favorite 9-20-07 2, even though someone in the background was yelling "Win the war."