The women have been arrested for trespassing after refusing orders from police to leave the area in front of the recruiting office.

About a dozen grandmothers say they wanted to enlist because too many grandsons are dying in Iraq. Ione Dusinberrie is one of the Protesters:

"We've had our lives, and we would be very glad to put our lives in place of the young people, who have so much to offer, so much to do."

The recruiting centre has closed its doors hoping to avoid a confrontation, but the persistent protesters remained outside the building until police arrived and arrested them.

All of the women arrested are at least 70 years old.

The oldest, 102-year-old Irene Mensalvas, says she took part in the protest because she is tired of seeing military funerals and wounded soldiers.