[Photo credit: Peg Hunter @peg_rawearthworks]
On a rainy Veterans Day, CODEPINK Bay Area activists gathered in San Francisco alongside a coalition of faith leaders, veterans, immigrant rights advocates, and labor organizers. The purpose of the action was to demand an end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza, urging California Senators Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler to block a $20 billion U.S. military aid package to Israel.
[Photo credit: Peg Hunter @peg_rawearthworks]
The day began at the Embarcadero, where hundreds braved the cold and rain, determined to make their voices heard. The march moved through the city with signs that read "Not another bomb," "Hands off Lebanon and Palestine," and "Sen Padilla-Bulter: Stop Arm$ for War Crimes.". The group paused at the Sheraton Palace Hotel to support hotel workers on strike, a brief but powerful moment of solidarity that reminded them of the larger systems they were challenging. From there, they pressed on to Senator Butler's office and finally to Senator Padilla's, where they took a stand by chaining themselves together, creating a symbolic blockade outside the doors of political power.
[Photo credit: Peg Hunter @peg_rawearthworks]
The chants "Fund housing, healthcare, and education!" echoed off city buildings as they demanded that billions in taxpayer dollars be diverted from war to support communities in need. Veterans stepped forward to speak, reminding everyone that the day was meant to honor their sacrifices, not bankroll violence abroad. Faith leaders called for compassion and peace, while immigrant and labor rights activists highlighted how militarism perpetuates oppression both at home and overseas.
In the street, a mural came to life, painted by participants as a symbol of resilience and hope. It depicted scenes of unity and peace, sending a clear message that this coalition stood against militarism and for a world where resources uplift communities rather than destroy them.
[Photo credit: Peg Hunter @peg_rawearthworks]
As rain fell on their mural, the colors mixed and spread, a fitting reminder of the persistence of these activists. They came together from diverse backgrounds, united by the belief that another world was possible.
Thanks to organizations like the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, Veterans for Peace, and Jewish Voice for Peace, the Veteran's Day message reminded us that the fight for justice requires persistence and collective action and that, sometimes, even in the rain, there's beauty in the struggle for peace.
[Photo credit: Peg Hunter @peg_rawearthworks]
Join veterans and peace activists in the demand to Stop the $20 Billion Arms Transfer to Israel!