A DAY WITHOUT THE PENTAGON
Washington D.C.

"A Day Without the Pentagon" was celebrated on October 19, a day declared by the 75 year old secular pacifist War Resisters League to protest the United States' skewed priorities and growing addiction to militarism.

A major protest march and rally at the Pentagon brought together over 750 people to hear a dynamic and inspiring roster of speakers and music.

Earlier that morning, activists attempted to keep employees at the Pentagon Metro stop from entering the fortress. The group distributed flyers "from Secretary Cohen" announcing the Pentagon closure, posted many broken rifle and peace symbol stickers, held signs and chanted "The Pentagon is closed today" before 21 were arrested after blocking escalators with themselves and yellow tape.

An hour later at the South entrance, the regular Monday morning vigil of Washington's Dorothy Day House Catholic Worker community and friends was accented by blood pouring and a sitting blockade across the narrowing path created by the police line. Police quickly responded with bleach and large hoses, spraying away the blood while saturating and streaking the blockaders' pants. Officers then pushed the demonstrators aside on the wet sidewalk, enough to keep open a path to the ID checkpoint. No one was arrested, and the vigil concluded as planned after an hour.

The main rally commenced midday on the parade grounds in front of the Pentagon's River entrance. Several affinity groups attempted to pass a police blockade established atop a long, low, wall flanked by wide stairs. Police preferred to push and shove people back rather than make arrests, but six who were especially, if only briefly, swift or assertive were taken into custody. Another affinity group blocked a road in the afternoon, resulting in nine more arrests.

Everyone was released within a few hours. Those arrested at the Metro station were charged with blocking access and ordered to appear in court December 2. The others were released without charges.

For more information on the Day Without the Pentagon campaign, contact the War Resisters League, 339 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012; (212)228-0450; email: wrl@igc.org http://www.nonviolence.org/wrl/