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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."