Fourth:
What wonderful people there were there from all over the country. Yes, mostly mature ones, but a few families and many students. ( School is out here)
I was soon meeting folks who had bussed all night to arrive on time. Many drove from surrounding states too.
The group who all had glasses and fake noses with their signs about not wanting to be audited were busy having pictures taken and showing their signs to all who noticed them.
As always with these groups the courtesy and kindness to anyone with special needs is evident. Sharing chairs, blankets and water with strangers was evident. This time I brought homemade earrings (red white and blue crystal, of course,) and homemade chocolate chip cookies for the guys.
There seemed to be a bit of a change in attitude this event. People expressed more fear of government and concern for the nation. conversations were subdued and often hear was the comment, “ Can you talk freely anywhere else, anymore” answer: “NO not even within the family.”
Fifth:
Just before noon the crowd sensed a movement on the left side of the group. Suddenly about a thousand people started to try to get to the area where Glenn Beck entered the grounds beyond a fenced walkway. He must have come from a vehicle which stopped at the main circle below the area. Long and loud cheering greeted him all the way up to the Capitol steps and the rest of the organizing staff.
About 12:15 the usual starting events began and yes...my guess, maybe 5K (?) in attendance. They came steadily during the next few minutes including those from the EAST side. Estimates of 5 to 7 even 10 K are probably all within a reasonable guess.
It was refresshing to hear people asked to remove their hats, so often forgotten today, and the crowd certainly was as loud as the person singing the National Anthem. THESE WERE PATRIOTIC AMERICANS!