New Yorkers marked the second anniversary of US invasion of Iraq on Saturday with a variety of protests, ranging from rallies, marches, candle vigils and religious services.

Protesters gathered at a square near the United Nations to hear anti-war speeches then they marched to Times Square, chanting "Bring the troops home! Money for jobs, not for war."

Scores of protesters carrying cardboard coffins led the procession. "Some coffins are draped in black fabric to represent the more than 100,000 Iraqis who have been killed and others are draped with the American flag to represent the 1,512 American soldiers killed so far. The White House has tried to hide these deaths from the American people, but the sorrow will not be silent," said Frida Berrigan, an organizer of the event.

Protesters wearing shrouds with photographs of slain US soldiers and Iraqi civilians stage civil disobedience to shutdown a recruiting station at Times Square. Some protesters were arrested.

In Central Park, several thousand people rallied at the East Meadow. Carrying posters that read "Say no to Bush again," "Give peace a chance," "End the occupation now," demonstrators reacted to anti-war speeches and songs with thundering roar of support.

Some war veterans, immigrants from Iraq, South Korea, Haiti joined the speakers to voice their opposition to the US invasion of Iraq.

With a sign that reads "Money for schools, not for war," an eight-year-old boy who identified himself only as Evan said he joined the anti-war demonstration in Alabama when the war started two years ago. His mother said it is necessary to let kids know that war is not good at an early age as children are among the hardest in a war.

Similar protests were launched at Brooklyn and Bronx, where demonstrators demonstrated to demand the immediate withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, while others are vigiling, leafleting and reading the names of those who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

According to United for Peace and Justice, a national anti-war coalition, anti-war activities will be launched in more than 700 communities in all 50 states to send a message to the Bush administration: end this pointless and costly war.

A major regional protest spearheaded by military families and veterans is expected in Fayetteville, North Carolina, home of the Fort Bragg US army base. Busloads of people traveled to the town from many places across the country.

"As a man who went through war, I know military is not the way to go. I'm here to have my voice heard: 'Bring the troops home now," said Vietnam War veteran Bill Steyart.