By Griffith Fuller

An upside down American flag is a symbol of anarchy that was present at the protest.

By Griffith Fuller

On March 15, over 2,000 people protested in Hollywood to denounce the five-year anniversary of the war in Iraq.

The protest was sponsored by the Los Angeles chapter of the Act Now to Stop War and End Racism Coalition, better known as ANSWER, with the cooperation of other local organizations.

The crowd gathered at Hollywood and Vine at noon and marched to Sunset and Cahuenga.

A stage was set up one block from the famous independent music store, Amoeba Music.

Speakers included Green Party presidential candidate and former U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney, Vietnam veteran and author Ron Kovic, Party for Socialism and Liberation presidential candidate Gloria La Riva, actor Mike Farrell and many other representatives from local and international organizations.

Even as the cold wind and light drizzles swept through, a bulk of the crowd held their ground. They remained, holding up their signs and listening to speakers.

The crowd stood under the CNN building, which they chanted against and denounced the network for their lack of coverage on the protest.

Lined up on the sidewalk were merchants, vendors and organizers, including Barack Obama campaigners selling $20 T-shirts and $5 stickers and buttons.

Alongside many other organizations represented at the rally, Riverside Area Peace and Justice Action was also present. The organization held a local rally at University and Iowa the night before the larger Los Angeles protest, which they carpooled to.

Riverside Area Peace and Justice Action hold weekly protests at University and Iowa every Friday at 6 p.m.