SUPPORT OUR TROOPS - Patriots Rally for America IV - Saturday, March 1, 2003, Washington, D.C.

DC Chapter of Free Republic ^ | February 18, 2003 | Angelwood and Kristinn

[Angelwood]

This is important. Drop what you’re doing. Pack the car, get on a plane, a train, a bus or start walking. Our troops need your support right now! They’re laying it on the line for us overseas and all they are seeing in the media is hundreds of thousands of anti-war/anti-American demonstrators marching in our streets.

As evidenced by this article Anti-war Protests Anger U.S. Troops Inside Kuwait those demonstrations are starting to affect morale. You can do something about that, but it will take time, effort and sacrifice -- a modest sacrifice compared to our men and women in uniform waiting for the the word to take out Saddam and his tyrannical terrorist regime.

The D.C. Chapter of Free Republic urges all FReepers and lurkers in good standing, as well as their friends and families, veterans and their friends and families and all others who want to stand up for America and support our troops to join us in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, March 1, 2003 for the Patriots Rally for America IV from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m at the outdoor Sylvan Theater on the grounds of the Washington Monument.

As the United States prepares to take the next step in the war on terrorism with probable action in Iraq, it is imperative that we get out and show support for our troops, our Commander-in-Chief and all that’s good about America.

Our troops are there to give their lives if necessary in order to prevent another 9-11 from happening to us. Now more than ever, they need to see your support back home. Please don’t let them down.

We are asking you to bring large American and Gadsden flags. Also, signs bearing messages supporting America, our troops, our Commander-in-Chief and the war on terrorism.

That same day, anti-American leftists will be holding an "anti-war" rally and march in D.C. The "anti-war" rally, organized by IAC-A.N.S.W.E.R. , a front group for the communist World Workers Party, will be held on the Mall near the Capitol Building between 3rd Street and 7th Street, N.W. The organizers have permitted other sites as staging areas for many in their group to assemble and then march to the main event. Some of these staging areas include: Constitution Gardens by the Vietnam War Memorial, the Northeast quadrant of the Washington Monument, and Freedom Plaza at 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Another group has plans to assemble in the DuPont Circle area and march to Constitution Avenue, N.W. between 17th and 23rd Streets.

We do not expect any trouble from those groups. Law enforcement officers will be everywhere to keep the peace and ensure that everyone’s rights are respected.

As always, the D.C. Chapter's rules for demonstrating will be in effect. Briefly, they are: No violence, no racism, no profanity, no threats, no provocations, obey the law and treat all law enforcement officers with respect.

When: Saturday, March 1, 2003 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., rain or shine.

Where: The Sylvan Theater, located on the south side of the Washington Monument grounds at Independence Avenue and 15th Street, S.W.

[FreeTheHostages]

Hi, Badray. The Sylvan Theatre is outdoors and exposed to the elements. It's a stage. Temperature for Saturday will be 42 degrees. There are inside, heated toilets right near by. It's also a block or two from heated, publicly open museums if the children get cold. As to chairs . . . well, no, there aren't those, and you may not find a parking space *very* close by and so, rather than being in a situation where you lug a bunch of chairs, I'd rely on my kindness (there will be some folding chairs by the press table) to lend you guys a chair as need be.

I'm off to leaflet in half an hour, but I'm here right now to answer any questions. I'm also going to Freepmail you my cellphone number so if you have any last-minute or just-arriving questions, I can help you.

[FreeTheHostages]

Hey Fred. I don't think I know what DC is like without the both of us there. Sorry that you can't make it., but you can always stir up some trouble where ever you are.

Well put. It was great seeing Fred at the last rally. He's a real patriot.

[rface]

Its almost March 1st .... bump

[Badray]

FTH, Thanks for the info and the cell #. I've made that trip many times alone and this time there will be 4 drivers and only 2 kids. I'll probably drop everyone and everything off nearby and then go park. I wasn't a boy scout, but I am always prepared. Thanks, too, for your kindness and concern.

[Jeff Gordon Fan]

Sorry, If there wasn't a blizzard a week ago and my ski trip wasn't postponed until March 1 I would be there, but have been looking forwqard to skiing for months and plus i aleady gave them the $$

[Fred Mertz]

When you file your report and observations, please be sure to ping me to it Badray. Thanks!

[sneakers]

Yes, I'm driving down from western Pa. I'm most nervous about getting around in DC and where to park. There may be another group from western Pa going but don't know if I'll be able to hitch up with them somewhere. How much is parking, and how much is the metro, if we need to take it?
Please help!

[FreeTheHostages]

Here's the bottom line: public parking on the street in DC may be hard to find that day. There could be some near 13th and Independance NW, *BUT* we're going to get a tad bit of snow (like 4 inches) so that sends the whole city into a panic, LOL, so the streets may not be plowed.

I think your best bet is to park your car in one of the downtown commercial parking places you'll find near the mall and then walk to the Washington Monument. If you want to park "further out," the metro stop is Smithsonian.

And, importantly, I'll email you my cellphone and leave it on that day, so you can call in and say "I'm here, how do I get there." I know the city well.

I ways up in the thread I posted a link to a map of the mall and the Monument which could be useful to orient you. I got it off the "maps" link at www.si.edu (the Smithsonian website).

We went out leafletting tonight and got a lot of positive response! See you there!!

[Joy Angela]

Newsmax just sent out an Alert about the Rally!

Anything going on in LA or Southern California???

[FreeTheHostages]

You know, we're going to get 4 inches or so tomorrow, which will through the whole city into a panic, LOL! No snow forecast for Saturday. But if the snow and failure-to-plow causes parking issues, my recommendation is that you find one of the many commercial parking garages (like near 15th and Pennsylvania) and pay to park inside, and then let the kiddies hike 3 blocks to the rally site. If you get stuck in our failure-to-plow and it hasn't melted yet, you may have to pay to park.

Saw the weather report tonight. Still a high of 42 for Saturday.

[FreeTheHostages]

"Newsmax just sent out an Alert about the Rally!"

I LOVE THOSE GUYS! Thanks for the ping.

Re other cities, search on "comwatch" name here: he's got an umbrella thread going that does the nationwide list. Good man.

[kristinn]

Go to the Metro website here for more info. There are parking lots at Metro stations just off 270 in Rockville. That might be your best bet. From there, plan on a 30-40 minute trip to Smithsonian station.

[FreeTheHostages]

I've been on the newsmax website sending emails to various news editors trying to get the word out about our *DC* rally. They have a piece about Rally for America but it doesn't mention DC. (I posted stuff on the Rally for America website about our rally today -- with the Free Republic link and logo.)

[FreeTheHostages]

And here's a map of the mall area with the washington monument on the lower left in the map.

[Angelwood]

Have a great time on your ski trip! We will certainly have need of your presence in the future -- just have fun and watch out for slow skiers!

[Angelwood]

You've had a very busy day bumping the thread and answering questions. Thanks much. The DC Chapter website has some travel info about DC that might help some folks. Doctor Raoul compiled the information for the January 18 rally.

[Joy Angela]

Info on LA Area Rally!!!

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/852846/posts?page=3

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
LA Marathon
Sunday March 2nd
10 am - noon

[sneakers]

Many thanks to both of you. Snow I can deal with! Finding my way around is the problem! I may get lost and show up late - but I'll show up! lol!

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

See my post #373. Also don't be afraid to stop and ask direstions. People are pretty friendly.

[kristinn]

I give directions all the time to out-of-towners. Usually they're accurate :-)