TAMPA, Fla. — Dozens of demonstrators gathered along Kennedy Boulevard in downtown Tampa to express their opposition to U.S. involvement in a potential war with Iran, Sunday afternoon.
Many at the protest called for an end to military funding and support for regional conflicts.
WATCH: Tampa Bay protesters join nationwide rallies calling to 'Stop the war on Iran'
Protesters tell ABC Action News’ Annette Gutierrez that they are standing in solidarity with Iran.
"I’m protesting war," said Barbara Klutho, a protester. "I protested war since 1970. War is not sustainable, war - we can’t afford it, war - it’s immoral. We need to stop waging war."
They said they don’t want to fund a war, and they don’t want to see the repercussions if one does happen.
"That's really what brings me here, is standing with the community that believes we should fund our public, rather than funding a war machine," said Harrison Lundy, a protester.
Harrison Lundy said he is worried about how this is going to affect the working class people.
"War displaces so many people all the time," said Lundy. "We see in the Middle East all the time, we see it in other parts of the world. It affects people, it affects families, it affects our ability to actually lead a dignified life in the United States."
People marched all across downtown, holding signs that read, “Stop the War on Iran," while chanting “President Trump has got to go.”
Even Vietnam veterans came out to rally against a potential war.
"Did we not learn anything from Vietnam?" questioned Mark Klutho, a Vietnam veteran.
Many protesters said they believe President Trump should have never gotten involved in a regional war in the Middle East, and that the U.S. needs to stop providing weapons to Israel.
"I’m very upset, because the United States is supporting Israel, which is committing genocide in Palestine," said Mauricio Vasquez, a protester.
A lot of gathers claim the Iranian nuclear powers program is not true.
"My daughter serves in the army," said Dave Gonzalez, a protester. "50:59 so I’m concerned that we could be sacrificing our military for a lie."
Organizers said this Thursday will be a National Day of Action, however they say there is no action plan set for Tampa just yet.
“I didn't see anything"
Nine-year-old Leah Lendel and her family were enjoying a day at the beach in Boca Grande when a shark bit her hand. Over a week later, she appeared at a press conference with her family at Tampa General Hospital to give an update on her recovery.
