Here we go a-Marching!

On February 4th, I joined the estimated 4.8 million people who turned out for 387 different events across Colombia and more than 100,000 people in 165 cities around the world to take a huge stand against the FARC (Some also took it to be simply a stand against ALL violent groups of Colombia). Wow, what an experience!!! It was quite impressive and exhilarating as I met up with Rotarians of my host club (Below, we are with a banner that reads, "The Rotarians of the world united for peace in Colombia") and stood in solidarity with 1,000s of peaceful (yet expressive) citizens. Roads were shut down; schools were closed; and everyone dawned white t-shirts (symbolizing peace) and colorful signs, flags, banners, and symbols expressing the desire for the kidnappings, threats, internal displacement, and horrendous violations of human rights to end.

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However, while the ideas and symbolism behind this demonstration were very meaningful, I have to say that it wasn't exactly a "pleasant" experience. The powerful sun combined with the body heat of so many people crammed into one space was almost intolerable, and the sheer number of people prevented us from actually "marching" for quite some time. We eventually had to may our way "upstream," fighting against the crowd and getting separated from various other group members, to leave without getting injured... Regardless, I am glad to have participated, and I really am hopeful that the many, many people suffering because of violent groups like this will find themselves in better conditions very soon...

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*I'm on the end on the first picture.
This features part of the rally, which included singing the national anthem. This was taken when we all had precious space!


I was surrounded by this crowd (which became MUCH more animated than this at various points throughout the event).