The half-hour protest began at 1:00 pm on March 18. While the majority of students were protesting a war, a minority of at least 75 students "protested the protest." These students, while not necessarily 'pro-war,' criticized the effectiveness of the anti-war walkout and the ignorance of fellow students. "I'm willing to bet 90 percent of the people here don't even know why they are against the war," senior Jesse Levin says.

Students filed into the bleachers, almost filling them to capacity. Members of the student organization, Students for Ethical Alternatives (SEA), affiliated with the county wide organization Montgomery County Students for Peace and Justice, then began the program. Members of SEA, including juniors Kevin Lindsey and Barnaby Yeh, spoke to the students expressing why they disapprove of a U.S. invasion of Iraq. Approximately two dozen SEA students gathered beyond the speakers holding several signs. They then led a chant of "Drop Bush not bombs."

"I don't see the need to kill so many innocent people just to defeat one man," says freshman protester Andy Moldawer.

Senior Jeff Gelber spoke in representation of students who support the war. These students gathered on the field in front of the bleachers.

Their side argued the necessity to end Saddam's reign, even if it meant by force. "I support the war and think that Saddam has been playing out there for too long," says junior Scott Riddell. "We need to do something about it."

Junior Bryan Calaghan adds, "I'm protesting the protest because I want to go to war and I don't want our county to end up like the French."

At least six Montgomery County Police officers were also in attendance. "As long as it is orderly, then it's great to exercise their first amendment," says Montgomery County Police Department officer Jon Hamburg. "That is what we are here for; to help students protest in an orderly manner."

While many students have strong views on the war, it was very evident a significant percent of students were using the walk-out as an excuse to skip class. "I don't care about the war," says junior Ryan McGowan. "I just want to get out of class."

With imminent war and strong feelings and opinions still present, both sides of the conflict still would like to see further protests and debates in the near future and likely will continue to stay active.