[VIDEO] 131 Choose Arrest at White House as Veteran-led Civil Resistance Demands: "Stop These Wars"

Today, in what was billed "the largest U.S. veteran-led civil resistance to war," hundreds of protesters took their demands for "Peace Now" to the fence of the White House. Police reportedly arrested 131 activists during the antiwar demonstration to "Stop These Wars" which culminated the Veterans for Peace gathering. Video coverage of the event by The Real News, found HERE, received accolades from one Veterans for Peace officer.

Among those arrested was Daniel Ellsberg, renowned military analyst who leaked the Pentigon Papers to the press during the Vietnam War era. Protesters attempted to chain themselves to the White House fence, but were charged with "failure to obey lawful order," a misdemeanor.

During the action the protesters also "delivered" postcards to President Obama, whom they said did not accommodate their request to meet with him personally to hear their grievances. The activists sailed the postcards over the White House fence, through the wintry Washington afternoon air. See video of the action HERE.

The protesters' rally at Lafayette Park this morning drew at least 500. Speakers attacked the war and defended WikiLeaks and Bradley Manning, the army officer suspected of leaking secret State Department cables to the website.

The list of those slated to speak, in addition to Ellsberg, included such notables as: Daniel Brian Becker, National Coordinator, ANSWER coalition; Peace Mom Cindy Sheehan, Peace of the Action; Ray McGovern, retired CIA officer and former U.S. Army Intelligence officer; Mike Ferner, president, Veterans For Peace; Diane Wilson, environmental activist and author of An Unreasonable Woman; Debra Sweet, Director, World Can't Wait; Mike Prysner, Iraq vet, cofounder of March Forward!, MedeaMedea Benjamin, co-founder Code Pink and others.

The event followed the directives of nonviolent resistance. Although noisy, it was peaceful.

The event flier reads: Take a stand for peace! Not another day! Not another dollar! Not another life! Peace on Earth? Mr. Obama, end these wars! Not tomorrow. Not next year. Now!

A web album of photos from the event is HERE.