Tens of thousands attend Operation Ceasefire in Washington

A recent article in the Washington Post describes the scene at yesterday's Operation: Ceasefire performance at the National Mall in Washington D.C.

The Anti-war protest includes an estimated 300,000 person march and included an estimate 20,000 concert attendees at a performance featuring Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, The Evens, Bouncing Souls, Wayne Kramer of the MC5, LeTigre, as well as Thievery Corporation, Steve Earle, The Coup, Headroc and the Bellrays. Jello Biafra hosted the event which is part of a three day action by the United for Peace organization. Between musical performances speakers including host Jello Biafra, Anti-Flag drummer Pat Thetic, Cindy Sheehan and many others spoke about the anti-war movement.

The Evens' Ian MacKaye spoke before the band began their performance, saying: "As discouraging as it is that this administration got in not once, but twice, they're gonna leave. Get strong and get ready to go to work!." The article described the Bouncing Souls performance as "living up to their name with a blast of energy."

A pro-war demonstration also took place today, with as many as 400 people attending.