NH Students Forego Class to Protest War Plans

Downtown Keene came alive with whoops, hollers, drums and chants this morning, as nearly 200 high school and college students gathered in Central Square. They came to make noise and show they're against a war with Iraq.

The student strike, called Books not Bombs, was organized by the National Youth and Student Peace Coalition based in Washington, D.C.

Keene High ninth graders Margaret and Matt said it's important for young people to take action.

((MARGARET: :56 I came out to show my support. I think it's important that we come out and show the country the youth of the nation isn't blinded to what's going on... )).

((MATT 2:10 I'm out her to support the cause. I think a lot of people are really ignorant about what's really going on in the war and we're spreading the message of peace and love.))

Holding signs and waving American flags and tie-dyed peace symbol banners, the students borrowed a few chants and songs from their parents' generation.

((( NAT SOUND what do we want..peace. When do we want it? Now.))

The Keene High students cut class to stand for two hours in the rain on the icy Common. Their act of civil disobedience could mean a few minutes of detention or possible suspension, depending on their individual school records.

That didn't deter Kate , a Keene High sophomore.

((KATE: 2:30 I'm willing to spend my Fridays in detention to come out here and do this for a whole day.))

Beyond the immediate future, Zack, a 9th grader, worries about the historic impact of a war with Iraq.

4:08 The part I really dislike is that it ruins everything. Lots of families get devastated by it. Also, people look back at the 2000s and say there's a war in there, and that stinks and all that. 4:20

For NHPR News, I'm Carolyn Martin in Keene.