As the first day of the March on Taco Bell dawned, it was clear that a greater power had smiled on the marchers... a predicted rain never appeared, and as we left Our Lady of Solitude Catholic Church for the launch of the march, our spirits soared.

Our spirits were only lifted higher by the Cuahtemoc Aztec dancers, our dear friends who stood with us throughout the entire 10-day hunger strike a year ago in front of Taco Bell headquarters. The Aztec dancers blessed our march and marchers, assuring us a victorious end to what was sure to be a trying four days ahead.

There was an extremely strong press turnout for the send off rally. Here, Romeo Ramirez, one of the three CIW members to be awarded the 2003 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award, speaks to Telemundo for an interview that was broadcast nationally, and internationally later in the day (CIW members called from Chicago and Immokalee to tell us they saw the report!).

Then it was into the street and the first steps of thousands to come that would lead us, 44 miles later, to the towering glass skyscraper of Taco Bell -- from the warmth and very human community of East LA to the cold, manicured, corporate landscape of Taco Bell global headquarters on Von Karman in Irvine. Here, Bishop Zavala, President of Pax Crisi USA (second from left holding banner) helps lead the march.

The excitment of finally starting a march that we have plannned, imagined, and dreamed about for so long was overwhelming.

And the reception by the people of East LA was even warmer than we ever imagined it! The immediate solidarity and comprehension of our struggle was truly remarkable -- if only this country had a thousand more cities like East LA...

The march had a little of everything... great emotion...

... a chihuahua from LA that switched teams and came to the side of justice...

... and a few moments of well-deserved rest!

But since we had 13 miles to do, we couldn't afford to lie around all day... and the animation from the sound truck kept the marchers spirits from flagging.

The signs, the smiles, and the determination say it all...

... and time after time, the message was heard loud and clear by the people along the route. This fine person was so moved that she couldn't even keep her feet on the ground!

As the day wore on, the marchers fought off fatigue...

... and a gathering rain...

... but nothing could keep us from moving forward...

... and making our case to tens of thousands of Californians who came into contact with the march along the route.

A light rain did finally fall -- but we were prepared.

Only nightfall would put an end to the first day of the march -- 13 miles down, 16 miles tomorrow, and we'll be knocking on Taco Bell's door before you know it!