When these two get into office, maybe there will be some Freeper events planned in DC again--this time to back the president, not get rid of him--LOL! How fun that could be!
I took between 200-300 buttons that we had used at the last few counter-demonstrations to the anti-war groups. The buttons said: “SURGE TO VICTORY,” “GIVE VICTORY A CHANCE,” and “FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.” Each button also had a flag on it. I had some flags as well to make sure there were some flags in the audience. Unfortunately, as BufordP reported, we had a very difficult time with the volunteers giving out misinformation to the crowds regarding security restrictions and urging people to travel light and take only keys, ID and cameras. They were telling women to lock their purses in their cars — absurd idea! I took my big purse with a couple of flags and buttons anyway.
When we finally were on a bus to get to the rally, traffic was clogged and slow-going. We realized a long way from the entrance to the park that people were walking toward us and the line was formed practically next to the bus. The driver opened the doors and let us out so we could all get in line.
All along the way, vendors were selling t-shirts and buttons, passing out stickers and political information for candidates or upcoming events. Everyone who bought these items carried them into the park and got through security with no problems. There were mothers with strollers, people with back packs, blankets, and some collapsible chairs.
We were able to get to the inner circle area in front of the stage. It filled up quickly, but it was standing room only. They did have several sections further from the stage with chairs for handicapped people. Most people in the outer hill areas of the natural ampitheater brought blankets or towels to sit on the ground and enjoyed the cool breeze and some shade.
While we were standing and listening to a country music performer, BufordP and I noticed a real cute little boy standing in front of BufordP with his hand out. He wanted the small flag BufordP was holding. BufordP gave it to him with instructions not to put in on the ground or throw it away and the little boy happily went off with his mother.
The crowd was very excited and enthusiastic and kept up this tempo for hours. The park opened at 8 a.m. and the guests of honor did not arrive until after 11 a.m. In the meantime, we were entertained by the country music fellow (sorry, I don’t remember his name, but he was pretty good).
The mayor of Fairfax City was the host of the event and welcomed everyone to his small town and told us that we had doubled the population of Fairfax City! He introduced the VIPs — council members, delegates, school board members, current state and federal Congressmen and Senators, candidates and others. Governor Gilmore and Senator Allen were in attendance.
There were a number of speakers which included a democrat small business owner whose business was recycling waste oil from restaurants and making bio fuels out of it and a democrat author who was a Hillary supporter and feminist — she spelled out her reasons for switching to support McCain/Palin.
We met a few people in the crowd who were Hillary supporters, now determined to vote for McCain/Palin. There were people from North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania and visitors to the area who heard about the rally and decided they couldn’t miss it.
The arrival of Fred Thompson, Sarah Palin, John McCain, Cindy McCain and Todd Palin stirred up the crowd tremendously. Needless to say, they all received standing ovations and enthusiastic chants throughout their speeches.
After they all left the stage to greet the VIPs, some of us lined up at the railing near the VIP area. We could see when Fred Thompson, his wife and daughter were leaving. People called out to him and Fred and family all turned and waved for photos. I left the railing a few minutes before John and Cindy McCain came out and started shaking hands and signing autographs for those people lined up against the fence. They were gracious and took their time greeting and shaking hands all along the fencing up the hill toward their bus. Boy, were people excited. And the Secret Service were very close and observant.
BufordP and I had met up with Ron by now and started making our way slowly up the hill to go back to our cars. Ron offered to give us a ride back to our cars. Thank goodness he did, because traffic was clogged and the shuttle buses were few and far between. Many people walked back to the parking staging area.
Along the way back to the park entrance and street, we were able to get a few yard signs that were being passed out. At the entrance to the park, people lined the street on both sides for half a mile or so. The McCain/Palin motorcade was forming and it was another chance to see the candidates as the Straight Talk Express passed by. We thought it was taking a long time for the bus to start moving, but didn’t know until later that John McCain had gotten out of the bus to greet more people. Finally, the motorcade began to move and the bus slowly came into view with John McCain and Sarah Palin waving from the front window to the screaming, happy throngs of supporters lining the way.
I did not want to miss this opportunity to see the next President and Vice President of the United States. I am very glad I was able to see them in person and take part in the wave of enthusiasm and support for the Republican Ticket.