Anti-war Activists Protest Along Vestal Parkway

Broome County groups call for closing U.S. military bases worldwide

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

More than a dozen anti-war activists from Broome County Peace Action and Broome County Veterans for Peace gathered along the Vestal Parkway on February 23rd, holding signs that called for the U.S. to close its 800 military bases worldwide and instead prioritize healthcare, housing, and the environment.

Why it matters

The protest was staged to coincide with World Without War Day, highlighting growing anti-war sentiment and a desire to shift government priorities away from military spending and toward domestic issues.

The details

The activists positioned themselves at intervals along the Vestal Parkway, near the entrance to Binghamton University, holding signs with slogans like "Close 800 United States Military Bases Worldwide." Media Coordinator Jack Gilroy said the demonstration, limited to about 45 minutes due to bitter wind chills, received honks of support from passing motorists.

  • The protest took place on February 23, 2026.
  • The demonstration was staged to coincide with World Without War Day.

The players

Broome County Peace Action

A local anti-war activist group that participated in the protest.

Broome County Veterans for Peace

A local veterans group that participated in the protest.

Jack Gilroy

The media coordinator for Broome County Peace Action who spoke about the group's priorities and the purpose of the demonstration.

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What they’re saying

“For those of us who have been around for many decades, and those who have served in the military service, it really is discouraging because what we have is gunboat diplomacy instead of diplomacy where we sit down and discuss issues.”

— Jack Gilroy, Media Coordinator, B.C. Peace Action (binghamtonhomepage.com)

The takeaway

This protest highlights the ongoing debate over U.S. military presence and spending, with anti-war activists calling for a shift in priorities toward domestic issues like healthcare, housing, and the environment.