University of Virginia Library

Unity In Peace

Again and again, the cry "Peace
- Now!" began from the back of
the crowds, and it moved, wave by
wave, until the whole march
erupted in the chant.

The unity of the two words
overcame the differences: in the
middle of one group of chanting
students, an elderly white-haired
couple, each with a button bearing
only the peace sign and each
carrying a small American flag, said
in an almost pleading whisper,
"Peace...now."

Signs and buttons dotted the
crowds, making it appear at first
glance like an old-time political
convention. Several made clear
their location and their intention:
"Virginia wants Peace."

Though some were far-left (read
two buttons: "He lives" and "Marx
Workers of the World, unite"),
most made clear that they found
their patriotism in peace.

Many buttons had peace signs
against the backdrop of the Capitol,
and others described the owner as a
"Veteran for Peace."