HELENA — Peace activists in a number of Montana communities were preparing vigils and protests for Thursday, just hours after the beginning of the U.S.-led attack on Iraq.

Groups in Billings, Helena and Missoula planned events to show their disappointment in the attack, representatives said Wednesday night.

Most of those contacted said they had been planning the events for days, to coincide with the first sign of a military attack on Iraq.

At least one event was scheduled for the state Capitol in Helena, where the Legislature is in session.

"We will be meeting to protest the illegality of this war, the injustice of it," said Frank Kromkowski of the Helena Peace Seekers, which was organizing the Capitol event. Kromkowski said the rally would include speeches from clergy and others.

Less than two hours after President Bush's deadline for Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein to leave the country, the U.S military attacked at dawn in Iraq with Tomahawk cruise missiles and precision-guided bombs dropped from F-117 stealth fighter-bombers.

The U.S. government said the strikes targeted Iraqi leaders, and Bush said they were only the opening salvo of the operation.

Mary Fitzpatrick of the Billings Peace Seekers, said the organization planned to hold a "quiet vigil" Thursday evening at the steps of the Yellowstone County Courthouse.

"It's not for speeches or singing or anything like that," she said. "It's a gathering of concerned citizens to pray for peace. It's a very sad time for us."

In Missoula, the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center was organizing an evening vigil in Caras Park. The center's director, Anita Doyle, said participants would be encouraged to then march to offices of congressional members. However, she said no civil disobedience was planned.

"This is not intended to be a rally or a protest, but a chance to reaffirm our efforts at peace, our effors to create a world where violence isn't necessary," Doyle said.