Anti-Iraq War Demonstration, February 16th, 2003, by Vidar Hokstad

From MemoryArchive

Who: Vidar Hokstad
What: Anti-Iraq War Protest
When: February 16th, 2003
Where: London, UK

My first and only major protest was also one of the largest anti-Iraq war protests in the UK. It was a cold day in February, and I lived right across the road from Hyde Park at the time. I didn't take part in the march, but after the march there was a huge gathering in Hyde Park, and I went over there together with my fiancee and a couple of our flat mates.

We stood there in the cold and listened to the speeches. I can't remember much of what was said, but there was the feeling of genuine anger. I've always been a very political person, and was an active member of a political party for several years. But nothing had made me angry enough to get out and demonstrate - I'd rather write.

The speaker that made the greatest impression was probable Jesse Jackson. He spoke with a fire and a passion so fierce that me managed to liven up a crowd that mostly consisted of people that were tired and cold after the march (as well as the lazy ones like me and my friends that just showed up afterwards).

Afterwards, as we went back home, there was a feeling that it was all going to be for nothing - none of us believed that Bush or Blair would listen or care about protestors, no matter how many.