Posted on 11/11/2002 10:26:57 PM PST by Jael
Hi Everyone. I put a mini Freep into action today at the largest Veteran's Day Parade in the USA. So it seemed only fitting that I should lurk no more and share with you all.
My 11 year old son and I went to the Parade to pay our respects. My Dad's cousin Maj. James Carlton was MIA in 'Nam. My grandfather was in London during the Blitz. (He came home a changed man for sure.) My Uncle Earl was a Helicopter Gunner in 'Nam. He was my hero! He died after the war.
We also wanted to pay our respects to the Veterans in the parade, the Gold Star Mothers and the active duty folks.
Imagine my surprise when up the hill comes (lame duck and fighting it) Democratic Gov. Don Siegelman. I was just plain shocked! (Some of you folks probably know what's going on here in Alabama. Rep. Bob Riley won the race but the Demorat Don is claiming it for his own.)
From somewhere in my memory, from lurking here, came the words, in the form of a yell "Get out, get out, get out of Riley's House!" It felt good, it felt right, and it just kept coming! My son and I had a seriouly loud chant going for almost a half city block!!!
At first he couldn't make out what we were saying, he was just looking at us and smiling. We were the first to recognize him and we were yelling, jumping up and down. But sad to report, his face fell when he made out our cheer!!!
At this point, most people hadn't recognized who he was. We were standing at the beginning of the parade route, before the viewing stand which announced the participants. But when some of the other more urban folks saw what was happening, they tried to drown us out.
But to no avail. We just walked down the block, till we had others cheering with us!!!
What you did today took courage. That's what makes FR the force that it is.
I love it! Great job, Jael!
With you in spirit 110%!
Another biblical theme where the woman slays the aggressor. Sisera was a cruel Caananite leader who ruled over the Israelites for 20 years. His fearsome army of 900 charioteers was defeated by the Israelite surprise attack led by Barak. He escaped the battle and sought refuge in the tent of the Jael, wife of Heber the Kenite. She gave the terrified Sisera sanctuary. When he fell into an exhausted sleep, she drove a tent peg into his brain. The prophetess and Israelite leader, Deborah, had prophesised that a woman would kill Sisera.
Oh dear Lord, you've been lurking THAT long? Glad you finally decided to show yourself. Great post.
Not to worry. At a memorial service, one is *supposed* to be mourning, not stumping at the podium. At a parade, one is *supposed* to be cheering, etc. from the sidelines. If a public figure makes a voluntary appearance in a parade, he/she should expect to receive public "input".
Ditto bump
You did good, "Get Out Of Riley's House!"
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.