RALEIGH, N.C. -- Hundreds of people turned out across the Triangle Wednesday to hold silent vigils and livelier demonstrations to mark the fifth year anniversary of the war in Iraq.

 

 

An evening vigil in Durham included more than 100 people who stood quietly on a street corner in the rain holding signs and candles. Dozens turned out at the Capital Building in Raleigh, while a rowdy group rallied at UNC Chapel Hill.

 

Most of the people carrying banners and drums for the event were anti-war protestors, but the event drew a varied crowd.

 

“It's been five years of occupation and we need to leave. It's not working,” said demonstrator Linda Goma.

 

Others disagreed.

 

“I support our troop presence over there because I think what we're doing is good for the Iraqi people,” said Anthony Stevenson as he watched the crowd.

 

Here's where the war in Iraq stands:

 

* There are about 158,000 American troops in Iraq.

 

* Since the war began, nearly 4,000 troops have died.

 

* Estimates of Iraqi war dead range from 85,000 to 650,000.

 

* According to U.S. Congressional figures, including the special war supplemental the White House has asked for this year, the cost of the Iraq War has cost the United States more than $600 billion.