Posted on 05/29/2006 4:54:55 PM PDT by NotJustAnotherPrettyFace
ARLINGTON, Va. -- President Bush, delivering a Memorial Day message surrounded by the graves of thousands of military dead, said Monday that the United States must continue fighting the war on terror in the name of those have already given their life in the cause.
"The best way to pay respect is to value why a sacrifice was made," Bush said, quoting from a letter that Lt. Mark Dooley wrote to his parents before being killed last September in the Iraqi city of Ramadi.
Monday's observance at Arlington National Cemetery was not a funeral, so demonstrators were free to speak their minds at the site. Bush's motorcade passed several on the way in, including a small group that held signs saying, "Thank God for dead soldiers" and "God hates fags."
Approximately 10 people from the Washington, D.C., chapter of FreeRepublic.com, a self-styled grass roots conservative group, stood across the road with signs supporting U.S. troops. A large sign held by several people said, "God bless our troops, defenders of freedom, American heroes."
The FreeRepublic.com group was trying to counter demonstrations by the Kansas-based group, led by the Rev. Fred Phelps. He previously had organized protests against those who died of AIDS and gay murder victim Matthew Shepard.
In an interview when the House passed the bill that Bush signed Monday, Phelps accused Congress of "blatantly violating" his First Amendment rights. He said that if it became law, he would continue to demonstrate but would abide by the law's restrictions.
(Excerpt) Read more at chicagotribune.com ...
Bless our DC FReepers.
Courtesy PING to DC FReepers - this story is linked on the home page of the Chicago Tribune website (AP story). Please feel free to ping any others who were involved into today's counter-protest against the Fred Phelps whackos.
And they spelled it right!!
Welcome newcomers to FreeRepublic!
Scum.
This legislation I support and will give credit to the President and Congress.
Heartfelt gratitude to the members here that stood against Phelps.
Phelps is talking out both sides of his mouth. He apparently doesn't want to pay the really big bucks fine for breaking this new law.
Bumperoo!
Thanks D.C. Freepers...send that inbred Phelps family packing back to Kansas with their tails between their legs!
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NEVER FORGET
Freepers rule 4-FREEDOM:
Many come out to show war support across land
http://www.post-gazette.com/nation/20030324antiwar0324p7.asp
Signed:.."ALOHA RONNIE" Guyer
Veteran-"WE WERE SOLDIERS" Battle of IA DRANG-1965, Landing Zone Falcon
(Pictures)
http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_set1.htm
http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_set2.htm
http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_set3.htm
http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_collection.htm
NEVER FORGET
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We weren't referred to as a blog. Well I've seen everything now.
Yesterday 100,000 motorcyclists rode down to the Viet nam Memorial. Its too bad they werent told Phelps would show up at arlington, I am sure a few would have hung around to greet him.
LOL! How true.
BUMP!
It was a small group alright - 8...maybe 10. I wonder if President Bush smiled and waved to them on his way out?
Approximately 10 21 people from the Washington, D.C., chapter of FreeRepublic.com, a self-styled grass roots conservative group, stood across the road with signs supporting U.S. troops. A large sign held by several people said, "God bless our troops, defenders of freedom, American heroes."
President Bush passed up with a big smile waving the entire time.
Those that were there tried to come out to help, but there is a limit to how many could be there. Also, the road was totally cleared for the President's arrival.
Didn't this guy proposition a couple of guys and they killed and robbed him? I mean how long ago was this "hate" crime??
Way to go DC Chapter!!
Pray for W and Our Freedom Fighters
Good on ya, DC FReepers.
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