Anti-war demonstrators marched in US cities to call for an immediate end to the war in Iraq and a cut-off of funding by the US Congress.
The "National Day of Action", sponsored by the United for Peace and Justice (UNPAJ) coalition, attracted protesters in cities including Boston, New Orleans, Chicago and Los Angeles on the fifth anniversary of the US Senate's vote authorising the invasion of Iraq.
Wet weather dampened the turnout in New York, but thousands braved the rain for the anti-war event in Manhattan, where protesters carried signs reading "End the war now" and "Healthcare, not warfare" .
Protesters also called for the impeachment of Mr Bush for "war crimes."
One contingent began its trek in New Jersey, marching across the George Washington Bridge en route to a rally in Manhattan's Union Square, where speakers included anti-war veterans and families of servicemen in Iraq.
Leslie Kielsen, a local UPAJ organiser, said the "half a trillion" dollars spent on the war was money that could have been used for education, housing and to feed the hungry.
The demonstrators also spoke out on issues including nuclear weapons and what some see as the increasing likelihood of US military intervention in Iran over its escalating nuclear program.
They then marched peacefully to Foley Square near some of New York's largest courthouses and federal office buildings for another rally.
Protests were also slated for San Francisco, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Orlando, Philadelphia and even Jonesborough, Tennessee, home to a company that is the largest producer of weapons that use depleted uranium. © 2007 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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