War supporters gather in Raleigh Updated: 3/22/2003 5:42:16 PM
By: Stephen Conschafter & News 14 Carolina Staff
A supporter of the U.S.-led war holds a sign up high in Raleigh.
Supporters of the war in Iraq staged a rally for U.S. troops Saturday at the state capitol in Raleigh.
People carried American flags and held signs that read "freedom isn't free" and "support our troops."
Some were members of the Free Republic Network and Young Americans for Freedom. The groups called for nationwide rallies praising troops fighting in Iraq.
David Ianucci, a member of the Free Republic, wished the troops a quick and safe return. But while they’re in Iraq, he said he’d be rooting for them.
“We want them to know that we're behind this, behind them,” Ianucci said. “We want them to know that we're thinking about them and that we support what they're doing."
Despite the gathering in Raleigh to support the war effort, thousands marched worldwide to protest the war in Iraq.
In response to the anti-war movement a speaker at today’s event around the capitol building assured folks there that “cheering crowds” will greet American forces as they “liberate” Iraqi cities.