Solemn ceremony marks 5 years of Iraq war at Minn. Capitol Eds: APNewsNow.

ST. PAUL (AP) A pair of boots for every Minnesota soldier killed in Iraq are standing in the rotunda of the Minnesota Capitol as war opponents mark the war's fifth anniversary.

State lawmakers and veterans read out the names, ages and hometowns of each soldier killed as about 100 people gathered to listen. Some cried. Others hugged.

Former state Senator Becky Lourey (LOHR'-ee) displayed a photograph of her son as she railed against the Bush administration in a speech. Army helicopter pilot Matthew Lourey was killed in action nearly three years ago. She said the war's anniversary was "laden with pain." State Senator Ellen Anderson started reading the list of 59 Minnesota troops killed in Iraq.

Rick Hanson says he came from Minnetonka because his son has served two tours of duty in Iraq's Anbar province. Hanson says he has been against the war since it started and can't believe it's still going on.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 03-19-08 1315CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list