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Alex Cabrero Reporting As the war in Iraq continues, people gathered in downtown Salt Lake this afternoon to say enough is enough.
It was a small crowd, but they had a big message, a simple message for a very complex issue. Basically, they want our soldiers to come home, saying the war in Iraq is a failure and we shouldn't have to lose any more lives because of it.
If there was ever a need for a pep rally, these strong-willed people felt like today was the day.
Demonstrator: "It's gone too far. We have to do something."
About 300 people came to the City and County Building in downtown Salt Lake City, doing what they felt was needed.
One man had a picture of President Bush, but when you got closer and realized the picture was made up of American soldiers who died in Iraq, you definitely understood what this rally was all about.
"War isn't the right thing. It's not the answer."
And it's possible no one knows that as well as Gene Barrett.
"I've been to war. I know what it's like," he says.
He wears his purple heart proudly, a small award for taking shrapnel in Vietnam while saving the lives of six of his buddies.
Gene Barrett: "No, it's not glorifying. Not at all."
Barrett says he remembers all the emotions and mistakes of Vietnam, and feels America is right back there again with Iraq.
Gene Barrett: "They say we're fighting weapons of mass destruction. We've never found them. And Bush is keeping us there, for what? I can't explain it right now. It's a waste of American lives."
Strong words to such an emotional and controversial issue.
Gene Barrett: "How many is it going to take for the American people to wake up and get Bush out of office so the troops can come home? Alive."
The rally lasted for a couple of hours, but they're hoping their message continues to be heard. They feel letting their voices be heard is necessary if they're ever going to change anything.
