Hands Off Iran Rally Report

June 29, 2025

On a bright and sunny Saturday morning (June 28, 2025), about 75 community members gathered in Geneseo to say No More War! and Hands Off Iran! Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace (GVCP) organized this anti-war march in response to President Trump’s illegal, immoral, unconstitutional bombing of Iran.

The event attracted members of other area groups including Rochester Chapter 23 Veterans for Peace, Genesee Valley Indivisible, 5&20 Alliance, and Hemlock Rising. Before the march began, Mary Lester led the singing of “This Land is Your Land” and “Down by the Riverside,” accompanied on guitar by Felicity Thomas in Geneseo Village Park. The group proceeded to Main Street, which was blocked off to traffic with the support of the Geneseo Village Police, then marched to the Livingston County Courthouse.

GVCP Founding Member, Dr. Arnold Matlin said: “We can’t allow our country to accept President Trump’s aggression as business as usual.” He added, “It’s not enough to watch the news and shake your head. Trump will only listen when the people make him listen. Today’s peace march must be followed by more rallies, more marches, and more demonstrations.”

The marchers were led by banners and flags carried by members of GVCP and the supporting groups. They chanted as they proceeded down Main Street: End Endless War, Healthcare not Warfare, Peace Demands Action, and more, expressing a desire for peace. At the end of the street, Amber Clark read a passionate speech. The group walked back to Geneseo Village Park where several others spoke, including Rev. James Swarts of Rochester Veterans for Peace Chapter 23.

“We want peace in our own lives, and believe others around the world want the same,” said Keith Blackburn. “We are asking our political leaders to support peace around the world.”

–Report written by Suzanne Blackburn

Additional coverage at the LCN

Photos from Hands of Iran! Rally – June 28, 2025

A group of protesters marching down a street holding various signs and banners, including one that reads "Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace" and another with an American flag. The sky is partly cloudy, and trees line the sides of the road.

A person wearing sunglasses and a light blue "PEACE" T-shirt holds an American flag during a sunny outdoor event. Other participants walk nearby, and trees and houses are visible in the background.

A group of people gathered in a shaded area under trees, holding protest signs and banners.

An elderly man standing in a park holds a large sign that reads 'Read the Sermon on the Mount' in red and blue letters. The background features trees, a picnic table, and grass.

An older man wearing a yellow shirt and khaki pants stands on a grassy roadside holding a green flag. Beside him is a black dog on a leash wearing a blue harness. Several protest signs are in the ground nearby with messages including "PEACE," "NO WAR ON IRAN," and "FIGHT TRUTH DECAY." There are trees and a street in the background.

An older man wearing a blue shirt and black hat, speaking to a woman in a white dress in front of a camera on a tripod. A sign with the words 'Hands Off Iran!' is displayed in the background.

A group of people march down a street holding signs with messages like 'JOIN THE WORLD,' 'NO MORE WAR,' and 'WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER.' Trees and residential houses are visible in the background on a cloudy day.

A group of people participating in a peace march, holding various signs advocating for world peace, healthcare funding, and the end of wars. The setting is a suburban street with trees and houses in the background.

A group of people participating in a peaceful protest march, holding signs with messages advocating for peace and opposing dictators and war. The setting is a sunny day with trees lining the street.

A group of people gather in a park-like setting, holding signs with phrases like "Freedom," "Democracy," and "Truth." Trees with green leaves frame the scene, and a stone wall runs across the foreground.

A group of four people, including two adults and two children, are sitting on a low stone wall in a park. They are holding an American flag and a sign with a peace symbol and the words 'FOR ALL.' The scene is set in a lush, green area with trees and flowers in the background.

An elderly man wearing a blue T-shirt with "Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace" and a website address, stands in front of a memorial wall with engraved names and "Vietnam Conflict" inscribed on it. He is speaking into a microphone on a stand and wearing a black hat with an emblem, surrounded by stonework. Two paper cups are visible on the stone ledge behind him.

Two people performing in front of a memorial wall, with one singing into a microphone and the other playing a guitar.

A hand holds a sign with a colorful peace symbol in pink and blue above the words "FOR ALL" written in blue letters.

A person in a light blue shirt and jeans holds a flag featuring a peace symbol within a circle of stars, reminiscent of a Betsy Ross flag, walking in a parade.

A group of people participating in a peaceful protest march down a street, carrying signs with anti-war messages. One sign reads "JOIN THE WORLD," and another reads "Impeach! Convict! Expunge!" in front of a building with columns and trees in the background.

A woman wearing a sun hat holds a sign reading "Democracy Dies in Silence, Resist!!!" during a protest. Nearby, another person carries a sign with a peace symbol hand gesture, reading "No War with Iran." An American flag is partially visible.

A group of protestors stand on a street holding banners and signs, including one reading 'Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace,' in a tree-lined area.

A group of protesters holding signs walk near a fountain with a statue and lamppost. The cloudy sky and green trees form the background.

A group of protesters marching down a street holding signs with messages like "End Endless Wars," "Give Peace a Chance," and "We Will Not Be Silenced." The participants are diverse in age and the setting includes brick buildings and trees.

A man holding a protest sign and flag stands on a street with a black dog on a leash beside him. The sign reads 'No War on Iran' among other messages advocating against war and promoting peace.

Upcoming GVCP Events – Save the Dates!

Something big will be happening on “Good Trouble Day,” Thursday evening, July 17th.

GVCP’s 51st consecutive annual vigil mourning the death and destruction caused by the U.S. bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We’ll gather on Wednesday, August 6th 7:30 PM at the Avon Traffic Circle.

Renew or Join Now

Photos from Hands of Iran! Rally – June 28, 2025

Upcoming GVCP Events – Save the Dates!

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