A rally in Balboa Park this past weekend was an event about peace and a protest against evil.
People who live in San Diego were speaking out against Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and against the leaders of Iran for the imprisonment and killing of citizens in that radical Islamic country. The leaders in both those countries are suppressing protests and arresting protesters.
In Ukraine, there were celebrations in the key city of Kherson with Ukrainian soldiers welcomed back with hugs and tears after Russian forces were forced to withdraw from the city. But officials say the city is a humanitarian catastrophe.
In Iran, there are no celebrations where there is little chance that there will be as long as the leaders in that country are in control.
The people in Balboa Park this weekend called for peace and condemned the evil leaders of both countries. They did not have to worry about being arrested because they live in a country that allows and encourages free speech and the right to peacefully protest.
That event at Balboa Park was a reminder to be grateful for the democracy we have in our country and to make sure we do all we can to preserve it.
(Photo reporting partner 10News)