By Mike Quinn

People's Weekly World

NEW YORK - The day after President Bush addressed Congress and the nation, telling the leaders of the armed forces to "be ready," 7,000 New Yorkers gathered here at Union Square Park, less than two miles from Ground Zero, and marched for peace.

The main sentiment expressed was that what is needed is justice, not vengeance. The march was led by a giant hand-made peace dove and a lone female trumpeter.

Halfway through the somber procession, a contingent of "Muslims For Peace" joined the march to much applause.

Reaction to the march was varied. Several spectators jeered in anger. Many more smiled, waved and flashed peace signs through windows. Many Sikhs, Indians and Arabs on the street looked on in support.

There was no visible police presence when the march began. Twenty blocks later, in front of Herald Square, many police showed up standing shoulder to shoulder to separate the marchers from traffic.

Just before the marchers reached Times Square, police officers cordoned off the street in an attempt to block the marchers. March leaders tried to negotiate with the police, while the crowd continued to chant. Once marchers reached Times Square, many kept vigil there for hours.