Grand Rapids Supports the Troops and Defeats protesters

april 14 2003 | tomasUSMC

[TomasUSMC]

Saturday as promised, a rally was held at the Grand Rapids Veterans Park. Unlike last week when the temperature and wind caused the cancelling of the event, (even though we still had a rally anyway!), today was a beautiful day. The American Legion brought chairs, a P.A system, lots of uniformed members, lots of VIPs,lots of flags, classy all the way around. There were about 150 people and the first one (after an opening prayer of course), was our representative to Washington, Mr. Elhers. After him followed many others and I was the last speaker. There were also interspersed throughout the program 5 or 6 patriotic songs sung by 3 different outstanding ladies. The final event was the folding of the flag and an explanation of what each fold symbolized. ..... Later on in the day for the first time in months there were no anti-war appeaseniks. They seem to have scrambled away unders the rocks like their ratcomrades in Iraq. I guess we just had too much prayer and patriotism. It seems that the Fat Lady is warming up her voice in the wings. God Bless America.

[rintense]

It got local media coverage. There was also a rally in Holland... very few anti war folks.

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It is in the breaking news sidebar! Thanks Registered

[MIgramma]

YeeeHaaa!
Our first rally!
Definitely won't be our LAST!
It was wonderful for my husband, who is still a bit "spooky" after the reception he got on returning from Nam.
Just getting together with a bunch of like-minded folks was a real treat and worth the trek from the northland!
There were a couple of "unpeacful-types" heading our way, but I think the nice officers persuaded them that maybe they had something better to do.
Many thanks to you, Thomas, for your dedication and enthusiasm in getting this off the ground.
Today I stopped by the library and noticed an honors board for our local troups and was really blown away to see that we have 25 kids serving from such a small town.
At least THEY'll get a real welcome home.

[stratocaster]

Anything planned in Michigan for this Saturday?

[RepublicanHippy]

Way to go Tomas! Sorry I had to miss this one.

[RepublicanHippy]

bump

[photogirl]

Bump. Again very proud of you, Tomas!

I should be back in action in two weeks, if all goes well.

[ppaul]

Photos?

[photogirl]

Sorry, I was unable to make this rally. My boy friend was on his Honda 929 (motorcycle) on Thursday, when he was hit by a drunk driver in an SUV. He was in the hospital, until yesterday. He shattered his left arm, and had to have a plate, six pins and a bone graph. He has a few other problems, but the arm took the most damage. I've been busy nursing him bach to health, and attemping to study for finals! But, I should be back in action soon. I'd like to post the pics of Bike V. SUV if anyone is interested. I'll have to check with our lawyer first.
Thanks for asking about the photos, it made my day!

[ppaul]

How's he doing?

[photogirl]

Still in alot of pain, we are going back to the hospital today because his leg is really hurting. His Dr. said it my be a blood clot, pulled tendon sp? or broken, (or hopefully nothing.) The guy that hit him is in his 70's and was very drunk, so we've hired a lawyer. I will post again when we get back to let you know how he is. Thank you for asking.

[photogirl]

Yeah, not broken and no blood clot. It seems to be a deep tissue bruise, thank goodness. Thank you everyone for your concern. I told him a lot of people are praying for him,(on Free Republic) it made him feel better.