CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -- Iraqis in the area of Nasser Wa Salaam gathered together for a peace rally March 28 in honor of two Iraqi National Guardsmen who were killed by insurgents.
Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, along with local ING forces worked together to support the rally by providing security around a police station and areas where the people were gathered.
“Our rally is against all terrorism and for all people who are against killing,” explained Tama Wady Mehall, a local sheik who resides near Nasser Wa Salaam.
Between 75 to 100 Iraqis gathered at the starting point of the rally as they made their way through the villages openly chanting their support of coalition efforts against the insurgent activities.
“The rally was supposed to have more people, but with a funeral and threats from insurgents some locals stayed in their homes,” explained Capt. Sean Connolly, Company K’s commanding officer.
Arriving at a police station south of Nasser Wa Salaam the locals in the rally gathered outside, their chants growing louder and more intense as they became more adamant about their cause.
“We are the voice of the people and are hear to speak up for a new city council as well as more security for our areas,” exclaimed Mehall.
Once the rally had finished, the Marines, who had provided security continued with their patrols throughout the area.
The locals of Nasser Wa Salaam did not hide their feelings about the insurgent activity in their area. They came out of their homes and showed their support for all military forces and the work they are doing in Iraq. The people of Nasser Wa Salaam look to the future hoping for a peaceful Iraq where rallies against insurgent activity are no longer needed.