? A group called Bridgeport Teachers for Peace gathered with hundreds of other protesters in New Haven Saturday against the war in Iraq.

On the third anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, teachers say they are against the war and the financial strain it?s taking on Connecticut schools. The Bryant School and John Reed Middle School educators believe federal funds could be better spent on teachers? pensions, books and school upgrades. Bridgeport Teachers for Peace plans to organize communities into public awareness groups and to teach low-income areas about the impact that war and other issues have on them.

Congressman Christopher Shays (R-Bridgeport) says it is necessary to divert money to the war effort and that Iraqis would be disappointed if American troops pulled out of the country now.