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Veterans On Memorial Day Call For End To Iraq War

CHICAGO (CBS) ? In addition to honoring those who have died defending our nation, a group of citizens and veterans also took time Monday to call for an end to the war in Iraq.

As CBS 2's Mai Martinez reports, their banners clearly proclaimed their opposition to the war, but members of the group and others attending a ceremony at Chicago's Vietnam Veterans War Memorial said their thoughts and prayers are with the troops serving overseas.

"What we want is the public to understand that the veterans are united in supporting the GI's coming back, these young veterans, no matter what we think of the war," said veteran Ray Parrish.

"We support the warrior, but we do not support the war," said James Redden, also a veteran.

Redden, along with other veterans, citizens and loved ones of fallen soldiers, joined together Monday to call for an end to the war in Iraq.

"As Iraq Veterans Against the War, we do not believe that this war is serving the best interests of the people of the United States of America," he said.

The parents of many fallen soldiers agree; some of them attended the Memorial Day ceremony clutching photos of their children.

"My only baby son is died in Afghanistan," said Juan Torres. "It's close to 700 soldiers die in Afghanistan and I come here because I very sad you know, very, very very sad about my son, everyday I memorize my son."

Those attending Monday's event hope lawmakers and President George W. Bush will hear their message and make ending the war in Iraq and bringing our troops home top priorities so that no more lives are lost.

"American people die for no reason, and I say please stop the war and bring the troop home right now please," Torres said.

In addition to calling for an end to the war in Iraq, those attending the event want better health care for veterans returning from war and citizenship for legal immigrants who serve in the armed forces.

For the troops who will not be coming home, carnations were thrown into the Chicago River in remembrance of their lives and their sacrifice.