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Tens of thousands of people braved freezing temperatures Saturday January 18, 2003 to attend rallies held in a number of Canadian cities to show their opposition to a possible war in Iraq and the current sanctions.

In Ottawa estimated seven thousand brave people gathered on Parliament Hill to participate in this cross-Canada event before they start the march to the American Embassy on Sussex Street. In the front the the American Embassy, protesters fell to the ground as they staged a "die-in" to show the real cost of war after an air-raid siren blared, followed by a moment of silence. Images of the rally in Slide Show

This event organizaed by a peace coalition of Ottawa including NOWAR-PAIX, CUPE, and Peace Committee On Iraq.

Later the protesters marched to National Defence Headquarters where thousands danced in their boots to keep warm while members of the group SPAT -- Special Peace Action Team -- attempted to enter the building to hand senior defence officials with warrants for their arrest. But the building's glass doors were locked, with 25 military police standing guard on the other side. The participants continued the march for music and food in the University of Ottawa leaving behind the SPAT team which contiued the occupation to the front doors of National Defence.

Images of the rally in Slide Show