WA STATE FReepers TAKE THE BRIDGE from Anti-WAR Whiners

Libertina | March 24, 2003 | Libertina

[Libertina]

We weren't at the massive Bellevue rally of 5000 strong, but some Washington FReepers, local patriotic citizens, and Support the Troops Groups came to the Camp Murray overpass and made history on Saturday! Participating from FR were CyberCowboy777 and family, FreeTheUSA, dhardt, MarMema and kids, and Libertina, Libertina's Dad and brother.

Gathering on the overpass next to the base from 10:00 am on, we were asked by police to choose one side of the bridge, so that protestors (supposedly arriving at 12:00) could "have a space." Though Support The Troops people have previously held large rallies of several thousand with absolutely no problems, today we were met with a large police presence.

TWO Incident response vans were parked next to the bridge, seven patrol cars, and more incident response vehicles (Paddy wagons) on EACH freeway entrance and exit. This was all done because LWOs had "heard" protestors were going to be there, including some War Vets (yeah, right.) When I asked officers how many protestors were expected, they didn't even know, but they had to prepare for their LAWBREAKING! I am really sick of these hateful disruptors being coddled and referred to as Peace Protestors, but that's another post.

Sheryl, the woman who is part of OSOT (Operation Save Our Troops) called into KVI for more reinforcements, and they flooded in. By 11:00 we were so crowded that the police said we could take both sides of the road. I estimate about 200-300 in all during the day.

LOL Washington weather was normal: sun, rain, sun, BIG HAIL, rain, sun, rain... But we stayed upbeat. Sheryl was prepared; she handed out big black garbage bags for raincoats for unprepared and shivering patriots. The near by 7-11 delivered hot steaming coffee and a few corn dogs. Later donuts found there way to the ralliers and finally Papa Johns and Dominoes delivered 3 big pizzas! LOL We have to watch our weight out there!

Around 12:00, we began anticipating the confrontation when the anti-war disruptors would come. We heard that two vans of protestors had arrived and we kept waiting... Then Sheryl walked up and down the line of ralliers and told us to turn to toward each other, hold flags high, and wait for her signal to begin the Pledge. We loudly and proudly pledged our alliegance to our country. It was only afterwards that I found out that two of the nasty protestors ahd actually walked past our lines while we were saying the pledge. They took a look at us, went back to their vans and LEFT! COWARDS! ROTFLOL It was exhilerating!

One policeman told us that our military was carring out big missions, but today WE had taken the bridge!Congratulations FReepers, patriots, and Americans!

A word about the police officers; they were nothing but friendly and professional. They posed for pictures, and one handsome officer spent a fatherly few minutes telling a young girl how she should dress for the rain so as not to catch a chill. LOL Heartwarming. Spontaneously, the ralliers decided to return the next day, many after church.

Highlights: One young girl who came Sunday had a father in Special Ops whom she hadn't seen for a year. And they hadn't heard from him for 3 months - but told me this was a good thing. We were joined by our allies, the British, as one young man carried in a large Union Jack. A handful of large busses filled with new recruits passed by and yelled out "WE LOVE YOU!." On Sunday, a young PFC stopped on the road and presented us with two cards, telling us that WE were what he fought for and what kept him strong. It made our day! Finally, on Saturday I had dragged my dad along with me and was worried if he would enjoy himself. LOL Everytime I looked over at him he was grinning and waving at cars passing underneath the bridge. After a few hours I asked if he was ready to go home. He said he would, but so many people were still waving, he didn't want to miss one! :) We had hot chocolate and shared a piece of pie in the diner on the corner. A soldier came in to order lunch and Dad picked up his check. It was a wonderful day!

[Libertina]

Here are FreeTheUSA and CyberCowboy777 (our PING master extraordinarre) with his beautiful family. The wind was so strong it almost blew us over!

[GailA]

Way to go!

[Libertina]

BTTT New FReeper dhardt with friend. BTW, on the the previous picture, our wonderful CyberCowboy777 drove 3 HOURS to show his spirit! BUMP for patriotism :)

[Libertina]

Rainy fun: New friends... future FReepers?

[Libertina]

BUMP Wonderful LEOs, this one takes time to advise on proper rain dress methods. :)

[baseballmom]

WOWSERS !!

Freepers Take and Hold the Bridge.

Great news.

[Libertina]

BTTT "You cannot judge a book by it's cover" poster patriot, and KVI listener, Harvey! Notice that they bridge had been adorned with yellow ribbons all along the overpass? Beautiful!

[Eala]

Great job, Libertina!!!

[diotima]

Looks great!

[FreeTheHostages]

ROFL!! Big bump. GREAT STORY.

I hope we'll soon have photos of our DC rally up. We had 1,000 out (500 minimum at any given time, people coming and leaving, even the press reported "nearly 1000" 'cause that was bout right) and beautiful weather and all went well.

TAKING THE BRIDGE!!!!!!! What a great line. Part of this war is being fought in the domestic media and you guys scored a strategic victory in that war. Congratulations!!

[Libertina]

BTTT Thanks Baseballmom~! And finally, here are my dad and brother. Thanks for coming! :)

[Scott from the Left Coast]

I wasn't there but I saw (and honked for) you folks as I was on my to Tacoma (from Olympia) and back. You guys were VERY noticable up there!

[Libertina]

Thanks! Trim but effective! LOL
Washington State Patriots ROCK!

[beachn4fun]

Man I LOVE hearing these stories!!

[Badray]

Thanks for the ping. What a wonderful report! You bring the whole thing to life. We have a rally set for next Sunday the 30th just north of Pittsburgh. The local paper got the date wrong and 60 people showed up yesterday along with 3 TV crews. They all promised to be back next Sunday for the real thing. I can't help but think that we may hit 1000 people. Several veteran groups will be there as well as some patriotic biker groups. We are also going to do a collection of personal items like batteries and toothbrushes, etc. for the troops. I can hadly wait til then. I'll send you some pics when it's all done. Be well, kiddo.

[Libertina]

BUMP Thanks for honking - it really invigorates us!

[not_apathetic_anymore]

Sounds like I missed a great time. Wish I could have come but I ended up at home nursing a sick critter:(

[Libertina]

Thanks! LOL Your graphic reminds me... my only wool hat was a black beret and I was worried that I would take some grief for looking "French" but I only got kinds comments along the lines of "looks very military." :)

[Libertina]

BTTT Hi MarMema - Ping for Rally thread!

[Interesting Times]

Great work and great stories.