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]

BUMP I was so happy to meet you. Did you all finally take refuge in the diner? I didn't see you. Your kids were adorable and hearty as well! No complaining in that bunch. :) Thank your wife for getting everyone there together.

[Libertina]

LOL It's ok Publius, we're depending on YOU to get another pot-luck going :) Or at least some serious brew drinking!

[A Navy Vet]

Good tactical move - taking the bridge...:)
Got your photos for the CD-ROM project for the Troops overseas. Thank you.

[Crusader_062002]

You really did make those soldiers, and this soldiers day.

[Libertina]

WOW what a great project! And I hope they can get some copies of our Rally & USO Canteen threads too. I want them to know that WE are the majority. BY A BIG MARGIN!

[Libertina]

It's replies like yours that humble me.
Thank you for keeping us safe!
God Bless!

[GretchenEE]

This is the most heartening thing I've read on FR in weeks.

God bless all of you who were "out there" in enemy territory, especially in such a well-chosen spot. Great report, too, Libertina. I could feel the excitement and joy coming through your words.

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

My last duty station was at McChord. We met at Ft. Lewis :o)

Used to live off Gravely Lake Dr., and were married in Tacoma. (This was a LONG time ago, but we still have family in Washington State).

Can't thank all of you enough for what you're doing. Just makes us so proud. You guys are awesome!

God Bless all of you!!

[CyberCowboy777]

Glad to finally meet you!

We did hide out for awhile... We then left.

The weather was a bit much for the little ones and though they did not complain I did not want them remembering the torture 20 years from now!

Still, with 5 1/2 hours of driving and 2 hours of flag waving (we got there at 10:15am) I am proud of them.

[Libertina]

God Bless you back! :) I'm so happy you stopped in to see our thread! What memories here for you both. BTW wonderful home page!
Thanks Gretchen, it was a priviledge to be there for and with such patriotic Americans.

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

IF you have a Washington State ping list.. please add us!!

[dutchess]

Libertina. Thanks for posting the link to the Finest thread. What a fabulous report! And so glad your dad enjoyed himself! Keep up the great work left coast freepers!

[Billie]

I wanted to see what your dad and brother looked like, and their faces were so dark! :)

[Libertina]

LOL Thanks Billie! It didn't look as dark as it appeared when I uploaded it. Looks better now!

[Libertina]

Will do! Calling CyberCowboy!

[Libertina]

BTTT Appreciate you stopping by, Dutchess!

[Aeronaut]

Fabulous!

I am so proud of you guys. (I am not all that surprised by the cowerdice thing, but that is in no way to diminish what you folks did.)

[MarMema]

Ok, my favorite moment was the man climbing out of the truck on the passenger side as it went down the highway, and waving with everything he had to us. He was halfway on the roof. This man had enthusiasm and then some. I am glad he did not get hurt!

My kids had a blast and can't wait to come back.

[Libertina]

the man climbing out of the truck on the passenger side as it went down the highway
LOLOL I missed that one! I often wonder who is driving the vehicles when I see FOUR hands waving in the front seats! ;)

[MarMema]

The policemen were very friendly and supportive. I was amaazed when I was coming up the exit ramp to see all the police presence! They were everywhere.

And btw, since we were late, it was an awesome, awesome sight to see that overpass as you were coming in. It really brought the lump to my throat. So many huge flags just covering the overpass. It was beautiful!