In Boston, support for demonstrators

In the four years he has been protesting the war in Iraq , Don Hnatowich said he has been called every name in the book.

But yesterday, as Hnatowich and his wife, Marcia, stood holding signs and cheering on the corner of Tremont and Winter streets across from Boston Common , he detected a different attitude among onlookers.

"We've only gotten one thumbs down," said the Brookline resident. "After the invasion, people would call us names, yell at us. But since the election in November, there's been more support."

Hnatowich and his wife were among several hundred protesters who gathered near the Park Street MBTA station to protest the war. The protest was one of dozens scheduled across the nation, including one in Washington that drew tens of thousands of people to the National Mall.

Many of yesterday's protesters brought their signs and voices to Boston because they couldn't make the trek to Washington.

"I couldn't go to Washington, but I'll stay here until I can't feel my feet anymore," said Tima Smith , of Pomfret, Conn.

"I came out because I think our government has to be held accountable and hear our voices," said Smith, who pumped her sign in the air and waved at honking vehicles on Tremont Street.

The nationwide protests are the first major anti war rallies held since the Democratic Party won the majority in Congress in November's elections.

David Ascher , an organizer with Newton Dialogues on Peace and War , an organization that helped organize yesterday's event, said the elections have reinvigorated anti war sentiment across the country and brought more protesters out to the streets.

"Before the election, people would be private in their protest," Ascher said as he surveyed the swelling crowd. "Now, it's like everyone isn't supressed anymore."

Ascher said neither his group nor the Committee for Peace and Human Rights , which has held weekly vigils near Park Street station since 1991 , had expected many people to show up for yesterday's rally. They were pleased with the attendance.

Some in the crowd started chants and encouraged pedestrians emerging from the subway station to join in. Many did.

Others held signs bearing messages such as "War is terrorism with a bigger budget" and explained to passersby their meaning. Others handed out pamphlets with information on how to contact local lawmakers.

Many said they hoped the surge in anti war sentiment after November's election would not wane soon.

"I'm definitely feeling a change now," Smith said of the nation's political mood. "Our leaders are seeing that the American people won't take this forever."