Rally for America - After Action Report - Dickinson, TX (Sat 19 Apr 2003)

19 April 2003 | PetroniDE

[PetroniDE]

Today about 400 people attended the Galveston County Rally for America. This event took place at the VFW #6378 at the intersection of Hwy 3 and Hughes Road in Dickinson, TX.

Another beautiful day for a rally (sorry to all you people up North still freezing) with temperatures in the low 70's with gusty winds. Once again, members from the Houston Chapter of FreeRepublic (H.A.T.) attended to show our support. Our featured sign was the "We Support Our Troops" banner, along with a small handful of yard signs showing support for President Bush and our Troops.

Most of signs shown by other people in the crowd were the same yard signs, but one handmade sign said "Not Cost of War - Cost of Peace, Stupid".

Rally began with the pledge of allegiance, national anthem, and God Bless America. A Vietnam veteran motorcycle group gave a moving tribute to those POW-MIA and several local politicians gave short speeches. All active and former members of the military were honored with the playing of the full length version of the Navy, Air Force, Army, and USMC fight songs.

Every rally has something a little different, and this one was no exception. One person in the crowd has a son in Baghdad, and just happened to call in as the rally was getting started. Another different feature of the rally was the "open mike" segment. People had a chance to just step up and say whatever. One five-year old girl sang a second rendition of God Bless America, and several people from the crowd took advantage of this unusual opportunity.

Anymouse and BellStar also attended the rally. Anymouse had some promotional material regarding a cook-off on Saturday, May 3rd (I will let him fill you in on details). BellStar served as freeper photographer for the event. Other freepers in attendance, if I missed you, please speak up.

PetroniDE was busy during the event. During the open mike segment, since leftists like to call President Bush a Cowboy, he did his Jimmy Johnson imitation of "How 'Bout Them Cowboys". Michael Clements(managing editor from the Texas City Sun) was in attendance and PetroniDE answered a few questions.

I could do a Baghdad Bob imitation and state with accent "No Disruptors are Anywhere Near Houston, and Have Ever Been Anywhere Near Houston", but that would be lying. None of said leftists disruptors showed up at this rally, and that I can say with truth.

[PetroniDE]

This was a short drive (just 126 miles round trip). Pictures soon, and everyone have a nice Easter.

[PetroniDE]

A "How 'Bout Them Cowboys" PING.

[humblegunner]

Bump!

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thank you!

[GailA]

Claude King's Cowboy in the White House

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

Thanks for URL
Great song

[BellStar]

Here we are Anymouse, BellStar, Chris Stevens, StePetroniDE and Mr. Help me out here?

[dix]

The term Road Warrior has to have been invented to describe HAT’s goes to man, The Honorable PetronieDE. Kudos for a job well done.

[Humidston]

You guys just keep getting better and better!

Excellent job, as usual!

[humblegunner]

That Petro, he sure do get around!
Great job, everyone, looks like y'all had a blast!

[Allegra]

Way to go, Road Warrior and the rest! And BellStar, I love that picture.

[PetroniDE]

Link to the rally article in the Texas City Sun, written by Michael Clements.

http://www.texascitysun.com/report.lasso?WCD=2503

[BellStar]

http://www.Galvnews.com

[Allegra]

"It was an opinionated rally. Anti-war demonstrators were labeled communists or socialists, the French government’s decision to not send troops into Iraq was called disgraceful, God was praised for allowing the spirit of patriotism to move people to action and President Bush was portrayed as a courageous leader."

Sounds just perfect to me! And I love that the guy carrying the sign is named Dick Cheney. :)

[BellStar]

At the Rally Kemah Mayor Bill King said it was a “disgrace” for France not to “shoulder the sacrifice” of committing troops to the war against Iraq, especially since so many American soldiers died for the French to be liberated.

Same Mayor fought TxDOT to keep "old Glory" fling on the Kemah Bridge after 9/11. When my Flag Pole Flap happened I had a friend in Mayor Bill King and support of my city in fight to keep flagpoles in our yard

"It's ridiculous," Kemah Mayor Bill King said. "I'm not sure what happened to the idea of property rights in this country, but these two-bit (homeowners) organizations have no right to tell residents how and when to demonstrate their patriotism." King said the city had attempted to work with the homeowners association on the issue. "They basically told us that it was none of our business and that they'd do whatever they want," King said. "Not in this city, they won't." Above from Houston Cronical Store

[BellStar]

Event organizer Chris Stevens should be remembered for all his hard work and for bringing this POW presentation to remind us lest we forget our POW-MIA's

[anymouse]

Thanks PetroniDE for posting this post-rally report. I'm just now getting on FR, so it is a good thing that you agreed to post the report. :)

Thanks also to Gulfbreeze for organizing the rally. It was a very moving rally supporting both our troops currently serving in Iraq (and elsewhere), but our veterans of all past wars, that paid the ultimate price for our liberty.

I wish that I had not forgotten my camera. :(

[anymouse]

BellStar, that was GulfBreeze next to PetroniDE. I don't know what the guy on the right's FR handle is, but he is a FReeper.

[anymouse]

Guidry News Service Photos: "Supporters of the United States of America and the coalition troops who liberated Iraq, in a rally at the VFW Hall in Dickinson on Saturday."

Listen to Real Audio recording of rally

[anymouse]

How about a Texas-sized ping for this Rally for the Troops.