Local, state activists plan antiwar demonstrations

As peace activists across the nation descend on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for today's rally against the Iraq War, local antiwar groups are preparing to do the same in and around Boston.

Demonstrators will meet at 1 p.m. at the Park Street Station on Boston Common for an event sponsored by Newton Dialogues on Peace and War and United for Justice with Peace.

Citizens for an Informed Community will hold a "No Escalation" standout outside the V.A. Hospital on Belmont Street in Brockton from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

In Salem, the Mindful Parenting group will hold a rally at 11 a.m. in Riley Plaza.

Unitarian-Universalist churches in the Plymouth area, along with the Plymouth Vigil for Peace and Justice, are sending people to hold placards at overpasses along parts of Route 3 in Plymouth, Kingston, Duxbury, and other towns at 11 a.m.

The Montachusett Coalition for Peace and Justice and the Ron Kovic Chapter of Veterans for Peace will demonstrate at 12:30 p.m. on the Upper Commons Park in Fitchburg.

Brimfield will play host to two events at 11:30 a.m.: residents will march on Brimfield Center, and the Brimfield Peace People will hold a silent vigil at the Town Common on Main Street.

Hampden County for Peace will hold their Rally for Peace on Route 5 in Holyoke at 1 p.m. In Westfield, the Waronoke Peace Action Group will meet on Elm Street at 10:30 a.m.