Occupy Wall Street One Year Anniversary: Protesters Hit NYC to Advocate Change for '99 Percent'

Protestors gathered early Monday morning near New York City's financial district to have their voices heard on the first anniversary of the Occupy Wall Street movement. Approximately 200 people congregated at Zuccotti Park, the Occupy "home base" that many protestors took over at this time last year. Police currently patrol spots throughout the area, and although no heated altercations have yet to occur, a number of demonstrators were arrested near the Stock Exchange earlier on Monday.

Men and women in business attire walked by the Occupy Wall Street protestors on their way to work Monday morning, amid shouts of "Whose Street! Our Street!" Protestors still claim their target is the "richest one percent of America," primarily banks and financial institutions. While the Occupy movement still holds strength nationwide, even reaching Europe (one year anniversary marches and rallies are planned to take place in over 30 cities), its impact has significantly died down since its formulation last year, considering the movement's boom growth and popularity without the presence of any real leader or organizer. Twelve months later, Occupy crowds are visibly smaller, with occupiers having broken into several smaller groups with different agendas and goals. But those involved with Occupy Wall Street believe one year is still too early to tell if the movement can ultimately be considered a success or failure - what remains true is that all protestors consider themselves a part of the struggling and suffering "99 percent," and they want to see change. According to Occupy leaders, the movement's momentum "is still here and isn't going anywhere any time soon."

Sit-ins at the New York Stock Exchange will be held by occupiers Monday, which will then be followed by rallies at Zucccoti Park and Foley Square. Protesters plan on staging demonstrations and rallies at various points in-between.

Other Occupy Wall Street celebrations took place in New York City over the weekend, involving about 300 protestors. According to police approximately a dozen activists were arrested, most on charges of disorderly conduct.

According to Pulitzer-prize winner Chris Hedges, "What happened here a year ago was a process that cannot be stopped. What happened here a year ago will ultimately spell the doom of the corporate state."