Protests in downtown San Diego mark 7th anniversary of war in Iraq

Memorial and protest events marking the seventh anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq are planned throughout the day Saturday in downtown San Diego.

The events are being held by San Diego Veterans for Peace and the San Diego Coalition for Peace and Justice.

Crosses and candles in remembrance of those killed and wounded in the Iraq war will be erected near the USS Midway Museum on the Embarcadero starting at 8 a.m. to “shine a light on the cost of war,” organizers said.

A reflection area will set up at noon, where those who have lost loved ones in the war can share their memories and sign a memorial book that will be sent to President Barack Obama.

At 3 p.m., San Diego Veterans for Peace plans a car caravan through downtown San Diego calling for an end to the war. That event will conclude with a candlelight vigil and Native American drummers along the Embarcadero at Harbor Drive at 6 p.m.