Posted on 04/10/2003 6:28:35 PM PDT by Aquakat
Brea, CA April 12, 11 AM.
“Support our Troops Friends & Family Walk” in Brea April 12 at 11 AM. Approx ½ mile walk on Brea Blvd. Start at City Hall Park to Brea Civic Center where Alex Valdez will be the Keynote Speaker with several other speakers taking part.
Our regular Sat and Sun rally has morphed into a walk with speeches. Bring flags, signs or just come we need you.
Background of the ongoing Support the Troops demonstration in Brea.:
For about two or three months 20-35 protesters have taken over the intersection of Brea and Imperial hwy. in the City of Brea. About a month ago, one person (Christopher Mynes,) angered by the anti American crowd, took up a one-man counter demonstration. He took a three-wheel bike and mounted two large American flags on each side. Below one of the large flags he placed a smaller POW flag. Between the flags he placed a large sign stating, "Support the Troops".
Christopher was the only one out there from our side for about a month and he was subjected to abuse beyond belief. He was called all kinds of names, spat upon, things thrown at him, threats you know the drill. Recently he even had one flag taken away and spat upon. 30+ to one odds and he kept at it; occasionally one or two people would join him. From what I understand, 90% of the reaction of people driving by was in support of Christopher.
This angered the anti people even more and intensified the abuse. A woman (Louise Ross) who drives by this intersection saw this happening and became incensed and decided to do something. She talked to her friends and formed a small (15) group armed with commitment from her friends she was able to get on the radio talk shows and ask people to join her Sat Feb 22. I can still hear her words on one talk show where in a strong but plaintive voice said, "even if only a handful (sic people) comes we will be there"
Well, people did come at the peak, about 11 am. I counted 250 people. If you count the turnover there must have been about 300-350. I know this doesn't sound like a lot but for a demonstration like this, it was a fabulous turnout. She/others decided that they wanted to do it again the following week. Has now turned out to be a permanent event.
300 is an outstanding turnout. Mega-kudos to all involved, especially Louise, and the lone FReeper who started it.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.