I’ve got a story to tell, with fond memories related to the Veteran’s Monument in downtown Indianapolis. This event goes back to the early days of GW Bush, and involves Free Republic’s faithful freepers among others found on scene.
Rallies to support the troops- took place all across the country at that time, and freepers often led the way. In this instance I learned of a rally taking place in neighboring Indiana, thanks to following the many Support The Troops rally threads posted here at FR.
Luckily, in this instance, I happened to live next door to a state that had a rally taking place, which was an easy drive for me, in comparison to some of the distant rally locations held across the country, so the decision to travel to Indiana, was an easy one. It was however, late winter or perhaps early spring, and as is typical for that time of year, the local weather was threatening to rain, sleet or snow.
I left in what I thought was plenty of time, only to discover upon my arrival, that the rally had ended and everyone was dispersing. I had forgotten that there was a time change of one hour. Undaunted, I went to the rally location, as I had just driven 3 plus hours to attend the troop support gathering, and wanted to do something with my time.
Discovering an empty location due to the dismal weather rapidly moving in, I moved to a position across the street from a friendly radio station that had been broadcasting the event live, over the duration of the rally.
Cars circled the monument honking their approval as I held up a homemade sign, constantly facing it towards the traffic and radio broadcasting studio. After what seemed like hours but was only about 30 minutes in elapsed time, a woman showed up, joining me in forming a cohesive two person vigil. Apparently, this woman had to help her elderly mother with a family obligation and in doing so, ran late for the event. Someone on duty at the radio station relayed to the audience that supporters of the rally were still going strong, and this woman had heard this, and made a decision to come down to the monument area to join us. The us however, turned out to be just me as the deteriorating weather did not disappoint, by delivering a steady drizzle and intermittent sleet, sending sensible types to their homes.
We introduced ourselves and with the power of two, inspired each other to take on the miserable weather for another half hour. With the weather shifting from a drizzle to an outright downpour, we decided to call it quits and to fight another day. As we said our goodbyes, and embraced with a chaste hug, this woman handed me a $100 bill and said she wanted to bless me because I had driven the 3 hours to Indianapolis, and if it weren’t for me, so she stated, she likely would not have stood out in the lousy weather to show support for the troops. I was flabbergasted, humbled, and grateful... for such a kind and unexpected gesture to befall me that day. That is one special person from fly over country that I’ll never forget.
I loves me some bitter clingers. Thank you madam. Thank you Indianapolis. Thank you Hoosiers. Thank you Indiana. Thank you America. And thank you to our men and women in uniform. Amen!
Thank you so much for sharing. Tears God bless our troops. Protect our cousins son and his colleagues who are serving in special services and just sent over
Wonderful story - thanks for sharing!
Freepersup, what a touching story. Thank you for sharing it.
“Spider-Man” by the way a very appropriate nickname especially after this moving story, I’m in tears.
People do want to thank their men and women in the service and you really helped her fulfill her need for that days event, she also missed.
People who are sadly negative think the goal, “Make America Great Again” is just a slogan...Thankfully we know TRUMP and we certainly understand his and our shared goal.
Wonderful story, dear freepersup.
Thanks so much for sharing.
awe.. what a nice story. A content life is centered on remembering this type of beautiful story