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But further ago than that, back in June 1967, only 500 of the expected 10,000 protestors turned out onto the streets of Southampton for the Vietnam protest peace march.
Despite being a disappointment in terms of numbers, it was still the biggest peace demonstration to be staged in Hampshire over the conflict. The march was the first of Southampton’s Vietnam Week of protests against the war.
The threatening dark clouds that hung over the city that day, and those that later obliged with heavy showers in the afternoon, were primarily responsible for the low turnout.
Throughout the march, which began at Millbrook Parish Church and ended at the Cenotaph in the centre of the city, the marchers followed a winding route that passed through Regents Park, Shirley High Street, Shirley Road, and Commercial Road.
There was a wide range of individuals taking part in the march, and each of them had their own reasons for participating in the protest.
Among the protestors were Christians, Young Liberals, Communists and Young Conservatives. Most of the protestors carried flowers to symbolize peace, which they laid on the steps of the Cenotaph after their march before beginning their one-hour silent vigil.
At the end of the vigil, in the early evening, the good-natured marchers dispersed into the city.
Many of those present on the day remained united by their cause as they proceeded in a group to Marlands Hall, opposite the Civic Centre, for refreshments and a gettogether where the war could be discussed.
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