The Missouri Progressive Vote Coalition, or Pro-Vote, hosted the forum.

Pro-vote officials said they hoped the forum was a place where citizens could discuss their concerns with the Iraq war.

Pro-Vote officials invited Republican Kenny Hulshof to attend so residents could convey their opinions to the government.

Both speakers and residents brought up a variety of views with the same goal in mind a change in government policy.

"I've decided from now on when people ask me if my husband is okay, I'm going to say no," Military Families speak out president Stacy Hafly ."He is tormented by this war daily, and until our reps here in Missouri looks at our husbands wives, daughters, and sons as people, breathing, loving human beings and not as toy soldiers, and focus on getting our troops home, he'll continue to not be okay."

One speaker suggested we ask the Iraqi people what they want, and another said we should encourage the Iraqi people to fight for their own freedom.

Sheets were handed out so attendees could make their own comments to Representative Hulsholf.

Pro-vote plans to give the comments to the congressman as soon as possible.