The third day of war with Iraq was marked in Lawrence with more rallies, both for and against the U.S.-led effort.

At noon Friday in downtown Lawrence, an ear-splitting scream pierced the air as two dozen people fell down in front of traffic.

A man dressed as Uncle Sam ran around and threw fake blood on the prostrate bodies, and agonized moans abounded.

The morbid scene was part of a “die-in” antiwar protest.

“This is the logical outcome when war occurs,” said Kiran Jayaram, the Uncle Sam impersonator. “People die. Babies die.”

The protest angered some onlookers.

“Why the hell don’t you get a job!” Mac Edwards yelled at the protesters.

“That’s the most unpatriotic thing I’ve ever seen,” he said later. “We’ve got kids over there dying. Somebody ought to put their foot down.”

The protesters blocked the intersection of 11th and Massachusetts streets for about 10 minutes, simulating what they said was the violence of the war in Iraq. They then marched to the Ninth Street intersection — carrying mock coffins and a giant skull — where they repeated the exercise on the sidewalk in front of Firstar Bank. Another 50 or so people accompanied the march.

“This is a consciousness-raising,” Jayaram said. “Maybe this will change people’s minds.”

A few hours later, another group — more docile but just as passionate — gathered in front of the Douglas County Courthouse.

Waving American flags, about 60 people participated in a support-the-troops rally, while across the street a small group of peace advocates also set up shop.

Linda Howe, whose nephew is in the Persian Gulf, said she felt compelled to attend the pro-troop rally to show that both sides were represented in Lawrence.

“We believe that even if people don’t like President Bush’s decision that it’s very important to show support,” she said.

¢ Photo gallery of war protest¢ 6News video: Residents block traffic in war protests¢ Iraqi-American resident believes war is justified¢ Praying for peace¢ More stories on the war

Don Dalquest, commander of the local American Legion, said he just wanted the troops to return home safely and was prepared to demonstrate in their support until that happened.

“If you can’t come to some of these rallies, put your flag out,” he said, adding that yard signs would be available Monday at the American Legion.

As words were exchanged between those supporting the war effort and the peaceniks across the street, Dalquest said dynamics in Lawrence didn’t bother him.

“We fought for them to have freedom of speech, too,” he said. “During the Vietnam War there was a silent majority and we’re not going to be silent anymore.”