RALLY SUPPORTS U.S. TROOPS! ((INDIANAPOLIS)(YAHHHHHOOOOOO!!)

WISHTV - Channel 8 in Indianapolis ^ | 2/22/03

[areafiftyone]

A rally in support of the men and women of the United States Armed Services attracted thousands of participants. The event was held downtown at Monument Circle at noon on Saturday.

"We want our fighting men and women to know we are behind them," said the event's organizer, Rob Greene.

David McIntosh, a 2004 Candidate for Governor, also spoke at the rally. Other featured speakers include State Senator Luke Kenley and Indiana's most decorated Marine, Don Myers.

Hoosiers from across the state attended the rally.

[RonDog]

From http://www.house-of-poetry.com/poetry/featured/virgilbrown/virgil43.html:

Warming Your Toes

Have you ever had one or more parts of your body get extremely cold?
Here are some suggestions for warming them as I have been told.
If you have cold hands you may rub them together.
You may pack them up and send them to someplace with warmer weather.

If your problem is a cold nose, here is what you may do.
If by chance cold ears are your problem the same answer is for you.
Take a hot water bottle and stick in your head.
Be sure to take out your head before they pronounce you as dead.

If you have an extremely cold fanny and it is painful to sit.
Fill your bathtub with cold water and then go sit in it.
If you have a cold chest here is what I have heard that works best.
Get your sweetheart to cuddle up against your chest.

You may have had some very cold toes.
We will now consider some methods for warming your toes.
You may rub them on your puppy’s warm fuzzy belly.
You may stick them into a bowl of your favorite warmed up jelly.

Your may rub them on someone’s bare back.
Be prepared for when they retaliate because that is a fact.
You may stick them into a hot oven or a lit fireplace.
You will know when to pull them out by the painful expression you
will be wearing on your face.
 

Virgil Brown
© 1999

[RummyChick]

fox coverage focused on the 'debates' between the two sides..showed quite a bit of the peacenik with the grey beard

[Republic]

No kidding-local Fox59 or the big gun? That's the media, isn't it....always looking for a bit of controversy. Did they happen to show any faces of the beautiful ( if wet, as you know, lol) crowd?

I had a run in with that group as I passed by um too-what an inconsequencial little group of naysayers.

[Republic]

Lol_Well we do have an 85 lb Bernese Mtn Dog who is still in the puppy cycle at 18 months of age-and she is an EXCELLENT foot warmer. Fabulous, actually. But that dipping the toes into warmed jelly suggestion? Er, think I'll pass on that one! (ewwwwwwwwww!) LOL

[RummyChick]

local station
they showed some up close singing
and some other shots
the lady with the cross has been shown in most of the tv coverage and in the ap photo

but the primary focus on channel 59 was the 'debates' and veteran vs veteran

[RummyChick]

there were several people there with dogs that were wearing flag bandannas...i dont remember peaceniks having those at their rally

[RonDog]

See also the OTHER thread:

Indianapolis Supports our troops and George W. Bush.
Self ^ | Mike Miessen

Posted on 02/22/2003 11:33 AM PST by Khepera
Pictures of the rally in Indianapolis

 

God Bless America...

CLICK HERE for more

[RonDog]

See also, from http://bluegrasspro.net/bluegrasspro/rally/index.htm:

Look at the eyes of the guy up front, center -
whose obviously profound repect for "Old Glory" is truly heart-warming.

[Republic]

Yep. That is a lump in the throat-er, for sure. Those vets-those precious wonderful vets, were honored today right along with our active troops. It was just so right.

[Angelwood]

I love your report, Republic. I wish someone had stepped up to help you when you were harassed. Since you are posting, you must have found the parking garage. LOL We've had rallies where people couldn't find their parked vehicles -- but they had a little help from the DC Police.

Thanks for the details of the rally in Indianapolis today. The numbers of people attendiing pro-troops, pro-USA rallies is growing and that's wonderful. See you next Saturday.

[Republic]

Thanks! Gotta say-that is the first time I have been face to face with someone really angry instead of just passionate about his beliefs. I didn't speak then -but I did glare-until I was out of his range.

If he had followed me-he would have run into Jim ( a fellow patriot and soon to be Freeper, I hope) and FreepersUp. That would have been unpleasant for that creep, I'm sure.

Am looking forward to next weekend. One great big bunch. Hope you can bring in some good weather-and hope this storm passes over you guys quickly if it is headed your way.

Hold down the fort, when you pass by our (as in everyone's) White House, don't forget to remember how blessed we have been to now have someone leading our nation there so different from the horrid and dispicable subhuman we spent many hours (you and the DC Chapter, especially!) working to remove!

I no longer think of you guys as living in the belly of the beast, now I think of you as living in the heart of our nation ( with a few clogged arteries, of course, ie hitlery, daschle, Leahy, Feinswine, Durbin, Byrd, Kennedy etc. < sigh! > ) But whatchagonna do?

Oh-and btw-I just reread my post-freep report-the too's that should be to, the typos, arghhhhhhhhhh......I gotta stop being so lazy! :^(

[RummyChick]

If anyone is going to be in broad ripple next weekend some organization is meeting at starbucks and then going to be handing out leaflets

http://www.moveon.org/leaflets/selectmtg.html?event_group_id=3&zip=46204&id=&distance=30

[Republic]

That is a campaign by MOVEON.org. Didn't MOVEON.org get its wings when liberals were whining about the billy clinton scandals and kept saying 'MOVE ON' as in get over it?

I read the leaflets.....they say INSPECTIONS WORK....WAR WON't and they have a bunch of them. Do you know if Starbucks supports this CRAP?

Wish we had the money MOVEON has to print our own leaflets.....such as, "Why does Saddam want a war?" or " Is Saddam a madman?" etc and go to the MOVEON.org site in order to counter their every leaflet drop with a leaflet that counteracts theirs!

[freepersup]

Greetings- One and All !

To my new found Indianapolis friends, a very hearty and deeply felt THANK YOU for a job well done... Good and Faithful Servants.

I would like to report that I have returned home safe and sound, and I must say the driving conditions were treacherous as I made my way back to Illinois. At or near the state line, the weather conditions began to improve incrementally, until I reached a point about an hour from my home where the pavement was adequately dry. On the way home I was lifted up by the many thoughts of comraderie and patriotism that I was both blessed to witness and participate in, at today's rally. For the record, instead of a routine 3 hour trip back home, it turned into a white knuckle 4.5 hour thriller. WOW !

The time difference of one hour between Indiana and Illinois completely escaped me when I planned an initial departure time to come over, therefore I arrived at the tail end of the rally (much to my dismay). Undaunted, I pulled up to the rally point where the police had conveniently blocked the road and dropped off numerous signs. During my initial stop at Circle Park, I observed what appeared to be a relatively large gathering of supporters for our armed forces. The most visible items, bar none- were American flags in all kinds of shapes and sizes. US veterans were everywhere. An anthem could be heard coming from the crowd as I drove away in order to park.

I proceeded to a parking garage and after securing a parking space I headed back to the rally site. Upon exiting the parking garage, the first thing I noticed were hundreds of rally attendees scurrying to their cars. Using reasonable deduction I concluded the obvious- the rally was over for all intent and purpose. Or was it ?

Knowing that some die hards would not go quietly into that good night, I collected my signs and moved towards the remaining supporters who were unwilling to concede the territory to mother nature. It should be noted that a storm front was passing through as the rally concluded. Strong, sometimes gusty winds and intermittent rain pelted those in attendence. My cardboard and posterboard signs fared poorly in such conditions. Speaking of signs, as I approached the remaining crowd I layed the bundle of signs down and said to- "have at it". They did so with gusto. The signs were eagerly scooped up and proudly held aloft.

Down at the street level, a very vigorous discussion was taking place between supporters of our troops and what had to be for obvious reasons, an opponent of Gulf War II. Let me just say that whoever they were, they were catching hell. Our side was in no mood for their appearance or opinion and stated so emphatically (understatement).

I proceeded up the steps in order to find the rally organizer/s and some freepers. I came across a familiar face, yet I could not recall this individual's name. My first thought was how did I recognize someone from Indianapolis ? I approached this individual and learned that he was Joe Kernodle. AHA ! Joe Kernodle of the Marine Viet Nam Veterans organization MOVE OUT ! Terrific. Joe was instrumental in organizing veterans to counter the communists and marxists and socialists that descended upon Washington, D.C., as they attempted to speak erroneously for the Viet Nam Veterans. MOVE OUT speaks for themselves. Period. It was a pleasure to meet Joe and I offered my appreciation for a job well done in D.C..

In finding the organizer of the rally, one Rob Greene, I met up with my first freeper, as he is known around these parts as "jaguarcr". A very fine rally was organized in no small part due to this patriot's efforts.

In just moments, the miserable weather sent participants scattering to their homes and in some cases to local pubs or eateries.

A few of the remaining friendlies, formed up a rear guard and set out to protect the territory seized earlier. I met my second freeper of the day- "Republic", as she approached our vantage point carrying signs in support of our troops, wisely brandishing the Free Republic URL at the bottom of at least one of her signs. I had received some directional instructions from a freeper named "RummyChick", and wondered if she was the freeper that stood before me. Guessing wrong, I immediately recognized the name "Republic" as being one of the cheerleaders for the rally, on several of the Indianapolis rally threads.

After communicating in virtual reality, it is an absolutely delighful experience to meet in person- freepers from this very website. It is also very satisfying to meet with like minded individuals, united in a common purpose. We exchanged pleasantries (OK we hugged) and then formed up a small skirmish line with our signs.

An unknown but much appreciated gentleman was to the right of "Republic" supporting our troops, and to "Republic's" left, was a US veteran named Tim who was holding a sign which read: Freedom Isn't Free- Thank US Veterans. Tim was a real trooper as he stayed with us nearly two hours after the main rally ended.

We were approached at one point by one individual who wanted to express his gratitude for the day's events, and a US veteran home on leave, made his thoughts known to us. He was appreciative and said so, and he also reported how discouraging the anti war protests have been to the men and women on active duty, (that he serves with). Many passing motorists honked and waved in support of us, as we talked and held our signs up for all to see.

It was agreed to move in front of the WIBC 105.7 radio station studio, as they were instrumental in promoting the rally. A running scroll at WIBC continued to announce the rally as we hunkered down in the ever worsening weather. Traffic continued to salute our effort, as we received numerous honks and waves in our new location.

An occassional moron passing by (rare) would salute us with the middle finger. These morons gave the finger to people holding- the American flag, a small Bush Cheney sign, and signs that read: (Freedom Isn't Free- Thank US Veterans), (US Veterans Defend America- Do You ?), (Help Iraq Become A Free Republic), (Wage Liberation In My Name- Remove Saddam), (Honk For The Troops). The morons gave us the finger for these messages...*sigh*

A very dedicated lurker approached us and joined in the honoring of our troops. This lurker has been doing so, since 1995 here at FR. For personal reasons, our newest troop supporter tells us that she is not interested in posting at FR. Fair enough.

I would like to bestow upon her, an identity for descriptive purposes in this post- one that is befitting of her actions and efforts thus far. "Honorary Anonymous Lurker 95", or "hal95" for short. "hal95" brought a US flag and several signs. "hal95" was dressed in a military OD green jacket and a smokey bear drill instructor hat. "hal95" was kind enough to give an extra pair of gloves that she brought, to a new supporter that joined us. This young man was named Tom.

Tom was quick to pick up a couple of signs and hold them in the winds and freezing rain. I had gotten completely soaked in the rain and had to retreat to my vehicle in order get more clothing. I brought a US flag mounted on an 8' wooden stick back for "hal95", as she was holding a similar sized flag in outstretched arms, and appeared to need a little relief. I gave Tom a construction hard hat liner for head cover, as the weather continued to deteriorate rapidly.

Tom was a very well informed individual and espoused a libertarian bent. Between the 3 or 4 of us, depending on who was there at the time, we had some interesting conversations under very adverse weather conditions.

Our faithful freeper" Republic" had gotten enough and called it a day. Before parting "Republic" offered to take me in for the evening knowing how dangerous the weather and road conditions were. She assured me her husband would agree to such an offer. I was very touched by this kind gesture from a local freeper. Wanting to return home by evening, I declined. Thank you just the same "Republic".

A young US veteran approached us during our final stand and kept us company for a bit of time. He had been in the First Infantry Division, garrisoned at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He was impressed by our tenacity in such lousy weather conditions. We appreciated his interest and support of us. Likewise he was appreciative of our efforts.

Near the end "Republic" made a couple of trips around Circle Park giving us the thumbs up and honking. It was her way of saying good bye.

Tim, the US veteran that stood with us for nearly the duration, left us about the time "Republic" did. Tom, our newest additon, stayed until all three of us agreed to call it a day, as we were cold and now thoroughly soaked. We policed up the area and then had a moment to express our gratitude to each other and agreed that we were thankful for such opportunities and witnessed as Christians to each other. This was a fitting way to part company. Warmongers- go in peace... LOL (warmongers we aren't- pragmatists- yes)

One other kind gesture deserves recognition. In parting, "hal95" handed yours truly, a generous financial contribution for expenses to and from said rallies. Earlier in the day, I had expressed my views concerning a trip that I made to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to counter protestors assembled during President Bush's visit following the State of the Union address. Additionally, I remarked that I was making every effort to attend the rally in D.C., March the 1st. I am nearly at a loss for words... I want to thank you again "hal95" for your kind, thoughtful consideration. It should be noted that "hal95" takes care of her mother, and that she remained at her post until it was absolutely necessary for her to leave and attend to her mother. "hal95" expressed fond memories of attending similar rallies during the tumultuous 2000 Presidential campaign of Bush-Cheney.

Ladies and gentlemen, Republic, hal95, Tim, & Tom, have given me enormous satisfaction in their comportment. A lesson may also be taken from this rally/experience. It is important for a rear guard to remain on scene in order to pick up any stragglers or lurkers or late arrivals, as they are expecting to contribute to the good of the order, as did the main body earlier. It was encouraging to see this dedication in my brothers and sisters. I hope that they might be encouraged by my actions as well.

Finally, I would like to express appreciation to the freepers in Grand Rapids, Michigan, RepublicanHippy & photogirl, as they too were kind to this traveler. I was rewarded with some local newspaper clippings and photographs from this good and proper freeping of a few weeks ago. Thanks- the freeper community is awesome. Plan TheWork Work The Plan

[RandallFlagg]

Highlight to read:

I just wandered over to The Dark Side and found posts like, "There sure seem to be a lot of "Pro-War" rallies" and "We need to get the anti-war message off the streets and onto television" I won't post links due to my unwillingness to stink up our fine site.

I think we're making them nervous.....

[freepersup]

Sat Feb 22, 2:03 PM ET Marine Corps. veteran Brian Coss of Greenwood, Ind., left, salutes the singing of 'The Star Spangled Banner,' while holding his son Jake Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, in Indianapolis, during a rally to show support for United States soldiers preparing for a possible war with Iraq. An estimated 600 people took part in the rally which was held on Monument Circle. (AP Photo/John Harrell)

Sat Feb 22, 2:01 PM ET Kevin Steele, left, of Indianapolis, holds a Statue of Liberty sign during a rally to show support for United States soldiers preparing for a possible war with Iraq, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, in Indianapolis. An estimated 600 people took part in the rally which was held on Monument Circle. (AP Photo/John Harrell)

Sat Feb 22, 2:01 PM ET A crowd gathers on Monument Circle during a rally to show support for United States soldiers preparing for a possible war with Iraq, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003 in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/John Harrell)

[freepersup]

Stories about Hoosiers and preparations for possible war

Gathering to show support for U.S. troops

Nonpartisan event at Monument Circle is designed to counter recent antiwar rallies.

By John Tuohy

john.tuohy@indystar.com

February 21, 2003

A rally to show support for U.S. soldiers preparing for war with Iraq will be held at Monument Circle on Saturday.

Bob Greene, the father of rally organizer Robb Greene, a political science student at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, said the rally is intended to boost morale of the troops and is not a statement in support of military action.


"We are supporting the men and women who lay down their lives for this country and want to show them we are behind them," Greene said. "People want us to get political, but we won't go there. This is nonpartisan."

E-mails of gratitude to his son have been pouring in from soldiers overseas and from residents all over Indiana, Greene said.

"They say how happy they are that Indianapolis is finally stepping up to show support," Greene said.

There have been three antiwar protests on Monument Circle in recent months that Greene said have hurt morale of the troops.

"I don't see how it couldn't hurt," he said. "They are protesting against their livelihood. I think it has a negative impact."

Harold Donle, who organized the antiwar rallies, called that assertion ridiculous.

"I wholeheartedly support our troops, and I support their rally," said Donle, a former Marine who was wounded twice in Vietnam.

Donle said soldiers know the antiwar protests are against the country's policies and not its soldiers.

"I think our soldiers are smart enough to know the difference," he said.

"They can look at a picture and see we oppose the administration and want it to bring our boys home."

The support rally will start at noon.

---

Call Star reporter John Tuohy at 1-317-444-6418.

[freepersup]

1,000-strong crowd cheers U.S. troops

Morale-boosting rally on the Circle ends with heckling of veterans peace group.

By John Tuohy

john.tuohy@indystar.com

February 23, 2003

Waving American flags and chanting slogans, about 1,000 wet and boisterous people rallied Saturday on Monument Circle in support of American soldiers.

The rally was mostly upbeat with singing and speeches, but a heated exchange at the end pitted a handful of hecklers against Vietnam veterans opposed to war.

"Mainstream America loves and supports our troops," rally organizer Robb Greene told the crowd, as many huddled under red, white and blue umbrellas.

The purpose of the rally was to boost the morale of U.S. troops overseas, said Greene, a political science student at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. He said he got the word out through e-mail, on campus and through the media.

He read an e-mail from soldiers based at Camp Virginia in Kuwait thanking the supporters.

Things got contentious at the end of the less-than-hourlong demonstration when some at the rally confronted a group calling itself Vietnam Veterans for Peace.

"Go home and eat your wine and cheese, you sissies," William G. Rice, 40, yelled at the group of about 20 people as they walked away. "Cowards."

Rice, a laborer, said that although he had no military experience, he thought he understood the political situation better than the veterans.

"I seem to have a better understanding of the price of freedom than they do," he said.

Noah Merrill, 23, who came with the peace group, said he attended last week's peace rally.

"You can love the warrior and hate the war," said Merrill, a teacher with Indianapolis Public Schools. "The best way to show support for the troops is to avoid war."

Though the event was billed as nonpartisan, many attendees said they backed the Bush administration's intention to invade Iraq.

"Action in Iraq is long overdue," said Del Schraeder, a 48-year-old construction supervisor from Greencastle who went to the rally with his wife, Gayla, 48.

Among the signs were those that read "George W. is the man," "Go Bush" and "Support our troops and President Bush." The master of ceremonies, radio talk show host Greg Garrison, told the crowd that an invasion was the right course of action.

Greene said the partisan sentiment was unavoidable.

"This is a big tent. Everybody supports the troops. You are going to get different opinions," he said.

Indianapolis police blocked off traffic around the Circle because the crowd was so large. "The people were backed up to the street, and we didn't want any cars hitting them," said Indianapolis Police Department officer Scott Chandler, who estimated that 1,000 people were there.

The crowd was more than twice as large as the antiwar rally held last weekend at the Circle.

Among the speakers were state Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, former Republican U.S. Rep. David McIntosh of Muncie and retired Army Sgt. Sammy L. Davis, a Hoosier who received the Medal of Honor for action in Vietnam.

"Never is it acceptable to blame the war on the warrior," Davis said.

"The antiwar protesters must be careful not to let our troops down," McIntosh said. "We must remember how our soldiers in Vietnam were shunned."

---

Call Star reporter John Tuohy at 1-317-444-6418

[freepersup]

Ralliers fault antiwar movement

Thousands turn out across nation to show support for Bush and U.S. forces in the gulf.

Associated Press

February 23, 2003

ORLANDO -- Thousands rallied Saturday in support of President Bush and U.S. troops in a possible war against Iraq, turning their criticism to antiwar protesters and France's opposition to military force.

About 2,000 people turned out at an Orlando rally that featured a reading of the Gettysburg Address, while another 1,000 prayed and marched in Pensacola.

"I was so saddened to see so many in our nation not supporting our troops and our country," said Naval Warrant Officer David Wolff, a Desert Storm veteran at the Pensacola rally in uniform. "This is very uplifting."

Rallies also were held in Indianapolis and Washington state, where more than 2,000 people gathered for a rally in Bremerton, home to a naval station where the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson departed last month.

Anger against last weekend's protests, which drew millions worldwide, was apparent. Echoing a slogan from the 1960s, one placard in Orlando read: "America -- Love It or Leave It."

"The antiwar protesters last weekend are aiding and abetting Saddam," said Sherri Tabb. "Saddam has gotten emboldened, he is not cooperating. War is the only solution."

Some who turned out at the rallies did not advocate war.

"We don't want to have to fight," said John Newman, an Indiana National Guard member who attended the rally in Indianapolis. "But if we do, we want to let them know we love them."

[freepersup]

The rally at Monument Circle in support of U.S. troops was organized by a student at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. It lasted less than an hour. -- Karen Ducey / staff photo

Bump- from an online Indy Star article