Posted on 03/24/2003 10:44:32 AM PST by 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!
"Thank you GI Joes"
What a great idea for a sign! Your son is brilliant you know.
Bump of appreciation for Lib's dad!!
Hey!
On the news tonite, they showed traitor Jim McDermott shaking hands at the hate-America rally in downtown Seattle, when a veteran in full uniform carrying an American flag walked up and called him a TRAITOR! It was truly a "Kodak moment". Anyone else see that?
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