After Action Report. Valley Forge Rally for America

Myself | Myself

[tort_feasor]

Got back from Rally for America in Valley Forge. Planning stunk. It took an hour to get the last mile to park. Then there was 2,000-3,000 people waiting for the shuttle buses. Got on one and drove to the rally site. Bus was not permitted to unload. So we drove back to parking site. 1210 didn't even cover the event on the radio. The site had too much traffic for the roads and I assume we were turned away because of too many people. Post your comments here.

[Bob J]

Ouch.

[NautiNurse]

Thanks for giving your time and effort! Please do not let this unfortunate experience deter you from future opportunities to show your support for our great nation!

[Temple Owl]

I believe you!

We got there early and watched as others tried to get in as we were leaving.

I asked a state trooper for a crowd estimate and he wouldn't even guess. The place was crammed and jammed and people--including you-- were still trying to get in after it was all over.

For those of us who were able to attend it was a wonderful day!

We met Freepers --Baseballmom, Abner, Victim of Circumstance, Taxman, and they were just as nice in person as they are on the net.

The American Flag balloon went up, the signs were great, and we met heroes galore--including several decorated World War ll infantrymen. Let me repeat myself it was a wonderful day. I am sorry you missed it.

[Think free or die]

We had a similar experience, except we gave up before the shuttle bus excursion. We got to the Valley Forge interchange by 12:30 and sat in traffic until we go to the parking area at 2. Seeing the long lines for the shuttle, I took my 7-year old son home rather than endure more waiting. We listened to 1210 on the radio in hopes of hearing the rally or getting an update on the logistical problems, but had no luck with either. The only update was a caller who was at VF and reported that shuttles were no longer taking people to the rally (at about 2:15). The yakkers at 1210 promised to find out what was happening, but didn't report anything more on the issue before we got home shortly before 3.

We were very disappointed to miss the event, but were happy that there was a big turnout. I just hope the news will cover it . . .

[Mo1]

We met Freepers --Baseballmom, Abner, Victim of Circumstance, Taxman, and they were just as nice in person as they are on the net.

I found Baseballmom, after hanging out watching the balloon atttempts .. I'm bummed I missed ya

[myrabach]

NBC Channel 10 in Philadelphia just gave it great coverage! I was soooo surprised. I heard about the problems getting there and decided to stay home and I'm sorry I missed it.

[Temple Owl]

I'm bummed I missed ya

There will be other opportunities. Meanwhile, keep on Freepin!

[Mo1]

Here is a picture of the Balloon .. seemed a little windy out today

[cake_crumb]

You were turned away because there were too many people??

[Mo1]

Sorry you didn't make .. there sure was a lot of traffic, that's for sure

I ended up parking up the road on a side street and then walked down to the park

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

I assume we were turned away because of too many people

What a shame. Had so many people they had to turn people away. It's a crime I tell ya.

I got an idea for you next Sunday. Go stand in front of your local United Methodist Church or Roman Catholic Church with a sign that says "God Bless the Peace Makers -- Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard." Their leadership seems to be confused as to who the bad guy is in all of this.

FtH good thing you stuck close by your bed.

[Mo1]

What a shame. Had so many people they had to turn people away. It's a crime I tell ya.

It took forever to get there, alot of traffic .. the rally was even delayed so that more folks could get there.

Here is one of the signs there .. LOL

[itsnevertoolate]

We had almost the same experience only we never made it on a bus. We got off the turnpike at 12:00 and thought we would have plenty of time to get there until we hit the traffic jam at the toll booths. We crept along for the next hour and a half, getting to the shuttle area at 1:30 (about a mile from the toll booth). We saw the enormous line for the bus, but stayed anyway. We couldn't believe how few shuttles they had. Around 2:00 a bus came back, unloaded, and the folks said they couldn't handle any more people at the rally site. We had an impromptu rally of our own, singing patriotic songs, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and honoring the families of those in harm's way. Many of us went out to Gulph Road to show the colors and make our presence known to the public. Almost everyone going by was supportive - a lot of horns honking, waving, and cheering.

The photos are all from the staging area. I'm holding the flag in the first shot.

[Mo1]

WOW .. There were alot there of folks still there

[mountaineer]

Did you go to this?

[Mo1]

Glen Beck speaking

Ben Franklin made an appearance

Some of the Supporters

[FreeTheHostages]

Sorry I didn't go, sorta, but I coudln't have handled the physicality of the parking! I would have loved to meet y'all there though! I promise I'll come to the next one.

[itsnevertoolate]

Some one estimated there were at least 2-3,000 still waiting and cars kept arriving even after 2:00. Many could not find parking and probably just left. I'm not a good crowd estimator, but looking at how the line for the shuttle snaked through the whole complex, 2-3,000 would not surprise me. I was heartened to see so many show up, but disappointed that the organizers didn't plan for the size of the crowd.

Beartooth, my better half, put together some brief videos. They are mpg format, 15 seconds, about 1.4 meg apiece. Hopefully, the links will work.

Impromptu Rally - USA Cheer

Impromptu Rally - Singing America

Along Gulph Road - Honking, Cheering

[A Navy Vet]

Were the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge involved at all?