Posted on 04/14/2003 8:25:35 PM PDT by JulieRNR21
We had the largest turnout and most appreciative response from motorists yesterday! At the peak over 40 people were on the four corners of US 41 Bypass & D. Venice Ave. between 1-3PM.
The safe return of seven POWs on Palm Sunday morning added to our feelings of joyful thanksgiving.
We brought large yellow bows and tied them to the four traffic light posts on the four corners. We also gave away over 200 yellow ribbons to the drivers stopped for red lights. Some returned later to drive by and show the ribbon tied to their radio antennas.
Several people stopped and joined us for the first time. Some new ones returned because they saw us last Sunday. Some of our regulars couldn't be there due to work/personal committments....so these new 'recruits' helped to fill our ranks.
We had a 'Honk For Our Troops' sign on each corner as well as many large & small flags. Also 'Stop & Join Us' signs on each corner. The two new 'Bye Bye Saddam' & 'Let Freedom Ring!' were big hits with the passing motorists. Incidentally, I saw the 'Bye Bye Saddam' sign on TV held by a jubilant Iraqi who was experiencing freedom for the first time!
Ryan, a 16 year old riding his bike, stopped to join us & hold a sign for over an hour. He asked me if we were 'protesting'? I said: 'No, we are demonstrating our support for our troops and showing that we are proud to be Americans'.
Despite many phonecalls & emails to SNN 6 & Sarasota Herald Tribune, they didn't cover our Rally today because, as they told me, they were 'there for two weeks and our Rally has been reported twice'.
However, I'm trying to persuade them to do a 'human interest story' profiling some of our attendees. SH-T is discussing the possibility with their Venice editor, I've been told.
I called two radio stations this week and promoted the Rally. I urge you to try to listen to Phil Paleologos on the Diner Show 6-8AM on 1220AM and Art Cronk at 2-5PM on 1530AM.....both have been very supportive of our Rallies.
My friend Madeline was able to be with us for the first time today. Her son in law is the Captain of a Navy ship. He had told her how disheartened some of those in service are due to media coverage of anti-war protesters. Now she plans to tell him her eye witness account of our Rally for the Troops and how happy others were to honk their approval!
We are not scheduling a Rally for Easter Sunday but some expressed a desire to hold one....so if you are near Venice and free at 1PM next Sunday you can join them.
Wishing you all a Blessed Easter and Passover Holiday.
God Bless Our Troops God Bless Our President God Bless America
The yellow ribbons made from bright yellow plastic table cloths are very popular. One woman cut off another car to turn the corner from the center lane to get into a parking lot behind us in order to get some ribbons! She gave us all a big scare!
Ryan, the 16 year old, put a yellow ribbon on his bike. He really enjoyed his fist Rally & I believe we'll see him again.
Some veterans who attend every Sunday!
My darling Richard, Marilyn, a passing lady who joined us and Ryan the teenager riding by on his bike. We try to have extra signs for the 'drop-ins' to hold.
An Anglican priest, his wife & daughter who were driving by...joined some of our regular attendees on another corner!
<P.More troops supporters fill another corner! Joe Brower's 'Stop & Join Us' signs attract some newcomers each Sunday.
Lady in red striped shirt is my friend, Madeline whose son in law is Captain of a Navy ship! She told me the 'Bye Bye Saddam' sign got lots of smiles & thumbs up from the passing drivers.
Hooray for Julie and Richard, the freepers, the joiners, the honkers, the bikers, and all the Venetians (if that's what they're called, hmmmmm).
Leni
Lady in the middle lives in Venice. The other ladies are Cuban Americans who attended the big Rally in Little Havana. They drive down from Sarasota each week to our Rally.
But please don't be confused. He wasn't at Julie's rally. She wanted you to know. :)
Here's Donna, her daughter, Mandy & 2 grandchildren....whose Dad in in the reserve and could be called up at any moment. They are faithful attendees!
Joe Brower on the right holds both the yellow "Don't Tread on Me' flag and Old Glory!
This handsome couple stopped by because of the 'Join Us' signs. We loaned them the flags with yellow ribbons!
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