A crowd of about 200,000 people converged in Washington, D.C., on Saturday to protest the possibility of U.S. military action against Iraq.

Gathering around the presidential grounds and the Washington Monument for the October 26 March to Stop the War Before It Starts, protesters followed a path that encircled the White House holding signs, carrying banners and chanting to voice their opposition.

About 400 Penn State students and community members traveled from the university to participate in the events.

"The numbers [of people] were staggering, and the day was beautiful," Jameka Neil (senior-journalism) said about Saturday's events.

Neil was one of the students who organized the five buses that brought nearly 250 people to the rally.

She recalled the protesters completely surrounding the White House as they marched around it.

"The front of the procession was actually looking at the end of it. The march alone made about three miles of people," Neil said. "We got the opportunity to stand in front of the White House and say 'We are the people, and your position was put here to serve us. We were not put here to serve your position.' "

The protest's organizers called it one of the largest anti-war demonstrations in the United States since the Vietnam era.

Sacha Brown (senior-English) said she also was amazed by the volume of protesters in the nation's capital.

"The area around the water in front of the Washington Monument was packed with people way before the start of the march," she said. "During the march all I could see was people."

The rally included areas with information tables and a stage with speakers, including Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rep. Cynthia McKinney, D-Ga., who both came to speak against the use of military action on Iraq.

The day of the march was also the day the People's Anti-War Referendum was released (www.VoteNoWar.org). The referendum expresses opposition to Congress's decision to authorize President Bush's military action.

"I felt like I was a part of something important," said Jessica Molina (senior-English), one of the protesters who traveled from Penn State. "It was really good to see a group of people that were all against the war for different reasons come together."

Molina said the protest has encouraged her to become more active in her support of peace.

Neil said her experience on Saturday was one that will stay with those who went on the trip.

"I think our generation is caught in a sense of apathy. Yesterday was proof that one person can still make a difference," Neil said.

She said Saturday's march and rally represent a beginning to the movement opposing military action against Iraq.

"They always say that the great social movements begin at universities," Neil said. "We're hoping this will stay true."