August 17, 2008
By Dietrich Nissen
KAAL-TV — Winona, MN
(ABC 6 NEWS) - They’re walking more than 450 miles to prove the point that they want an end to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
It’s been a long walk for Kathy Kelly. She’s part of the Witness Against War group, that’s making its way from Chicago to St. Paul.
“We’ve just crossed into the wonderful state of Minnesota after walking through Illinois and Wisconsin,” said Kelly.
The trip started on July 21. The walkers hope to reach the Twin Cities right before the Republican National Convention.
“We hold both parties responsible,” Kelly said.
“Just the walking has in itself been a blessing, and it’s been wonderful to have formed a community along the road and to be received by so many fine people,” said Kelly.
But not everyone along the way has been so welcoming.
Some members of the group were arrested for trying to enter Fort McCoy in Wisconsin.
Drivers are upset about the group’s message.
“This morning somebody leaned out of his car. He was so angry, he said an expletive and don’t rebuild Iraq. We need that money. It’s our money,” Kelly said.
“It’s a good way to get the word out,” said Paul Melling, a veteran of the Iraq War who also drives the protester’s support bus.
“I’ve gotten a lot of support from these people they’ve helped me out a lot you know so I try and support them,” said Melling.
“We’ve certainly been happy to receive the hospitality of so many people through this Midwestern walk,” said Kelly.
The group says it will march on with its message to stop the fighting overseas.
