Posted on 03/29/2003 9:23:53 PM PST by Diver Dave
Organized by the local chapter of The Veterans of Foreign Wars, the call went out through the week to return to the front lines once again with signs of support for our troops.
One Hundred and Sixty Patriots assembled on the corner of Standiford Ave. and Sisk Rd. today to voice their support for our troops. The above intersection is right off the Highway 99 freeway on the north end of Modesto.
First, a little history. Two weeks ago, the antis decided to hold their peace vigil on the corner where the Armed Forces Recruiting offices are located. They called for their vigil to run from noon to 1:30 pm.
When three FReepers and the VFW learned of their plans, the call went out for members to man their posts at 11 am. At that time, about 30 patriots showed up, took control of the corner and the antis decided they would set up shop across the steet. Five antis showed up that day and were not well received by the public.
Last week the antis planned another demonstation at the Sisk/Standiford intersection. This is a heavy traffic intersection leading to the Vintage Faire Shopping Mall. Last week, 80 patriots armed with signs, Old Glory, and service flags from the VFW along with POW/MIA flags, and the Korean War Flag seized the corner early once again forcing the antis to present their arguement about a block away.
Today, 160 individuals rallied the passing motorists into a horn honking frenzy. Not a single anti showed up at this location today. Personally, our daughter, s-i-l, and grandson drove by honking their horn and hollered "All Right, Dad." One of many instances to really make the day special. While cars were stopped in front of us waiting for the traffic lights, VFW members passed out VFW red poppies to the motorists.
One passing motorist was so deeply moved by the display of flags and signs, she went to a nearby grocery store and purchased a large bag of goodies and brought it back to our location. Another motorist threw a $20.00 bill at the group with instructions to purchase refreshments for the flag wavers.
I had the honor and privilege to speak with several members of the crowd today. One gentleman told me about enlisting in the Navy in 1941, before Pearl Harbor. But rather than dwell on his own experiences, he told me about one of his relatives who got drafted right after Pearl Harbor. He served his one year obligation, then went down and enlisted. He ended up in a death march and later transported to a Japanese POW camp. A couple more gentlemen related experiences from service during the Korean War. Another WWII vet wore a VFW jacket with his ship's name, number and silhouette on the back - USS Enterprise (CV-6). I told him about my experience diving on the current USS Enterprise (CVN-65). That was back in '64 when the big E was new to the fleet. She is currently still serving our country proudly.
Next, I had the opportunity to speak with a gentleman wearing a Stars and Stripes shirt and hat who immigrated to the USA from British Guiena (sp?). This gentleman became a citizen of the USA and he has made it part of his life's work to honor those who defend this country. Interestingly, he went to court 10 years ago to have his name changed because of his love for this country. His new first name is Patriot, and he wears the name proudly.
Throughout the day I got to speak with several moms and dads whose sons and daughters are serving - some in the middle-east. Moms held photographs of their children clutched to their hearts with one hand and waving a flag with the other. The crowd today was made up of ALL ages from infants in strollers to Great-Grandmas and Great Grandpas. High school kids on the corner along with the honks and cheers of students passing by.
SiFiPattie, her dad, and Rosarita, (SiFi's chihuahua), sporting a Stars and Stripes bandana around her neck, joined the rally shortly after 1 pm. SiFiPattie drove by the antis demonstation on her way to the rally. The antis managed to draw a crowd of 6 people.
While talking with some of the leadership of the VFW chapter, it was disclosed that the VFW will be there every week for the duration. Next week promises to be extra special so I hope you'll all be able to join with us again.
I may be getting some photos e-mailed to me from one of the moms and if so I'll post them later. From the streets of Modesto, this is your embedded reporter, dd, returning you to our regularly scheduled programming.
May God Bless and Protect our Armed Forces and May He Bless the USA.
WOOOOOOOO Boy! GREAT report!!!!!!
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