Valentine's Day: Grandmothers say "take us instead"

The "Armed Forces Career Center" (aka the Army recruiting office) in Oakland, California was closed today. In a Valentine's Day themed protest, Grandmothers against the War offered themselves to replace young folks as cannon fodder.

"...we are demonstrating our love for this country and its young people by enlisting in the U.S. military....This is not a show of support for our military action in Iraq....Rather, it is a Valentine's Day gift to our children and grandchildren.

"We grandmothers have had long, full lives. Our young men and women deserve the same. We are prepared to take their place and by that action to help bring an end to this destructive occupation. We want our brave young people home -- alive and whole."

Army recruiters had enough sense to hightail it for greener pastures when about 200 determined women showed up on their doorstep.


On the march.


Huge puppets stood in for grieving Iraqi mothers.






Now there's a sign for many of us. It seems to be available here. No endorsement of seller implied.


Second post to follows here with more pictures from this inspiring event.