Pro-America Rally draws 4000 in Tulsa, Oklahoma

News Channel 8 ^ | March 2, 2003 | Amanda Juergens

[2Jedismom]

Tulsans Attend Pro-America Rally
Location: Tulsa

Posted: March 02, 2003 7:13 PM EST
URL: http://www.ktul.com/showstory.hrb?f=n&s=76774&f1=loc

Thousands of Tulsans showed their support for America's troops in a pro-America rally Sunday. It comes at a time when the country draws nearer every day to a decision to go to war.

They filed into Memorial Stadium to show support for their country, the President and the troops. They say now is the time to speak up.

"I think it's time for those in the majority to stand up and say what they really believe," says Ron Jackson.

Tulsa Mayor Bill Lafortune joined other Oklahoma dignitaries at the rally, including State Senator Scott Pruitt.

"They are there not only to provide protection for us," says Pruitt. "They are there standing on behalf of a belief and a conviction that America stands for freedom."

"Sometimes when I go around Washington, I see the war protestors and they make me mad," added U.S. Congressman John Sullivan.

U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe says the burden of proof is on Saddam Hussein, not the United States. The message is clear. They remember September 11th and they remember the troops every day.

During Sunday's rally, a group of anti-war protestors also gathered at 41st and Yale.

[2Jedismom]

This was a great rally! I heard on KOTV that 4000 people braved the cold to show their support. A fine turn-out for the Tulsa area, and more than was expected, I believe, because they had to open up the other side of the stadium for over-flow. The speakers were great, the music was very moving and a whole BUNCH of planes did a fly-over.

I didn't see any other freepers that I might recognize, but I'll be posting pictures here soon...if you were there, maybe I got you in a group shot.

Also, the article mentions some anti-war protestors...apparently about 14 showed up.

Here is a picture of my two jedis and I, with a soldier.

If anyone else was there, or took pictures, check in here!

[2Jedismom]

Ping for the Tulsa Rally!

[Tax-chick]

Great turnout! We were really impressed. I didn't see you and the Jedi, but I saw another Okie FReeper waiting on the curb when we were hoofing off to our van.

Senator Inhofe was outstanding, as well as the other speakers. First time I've seen Mayor LaFortune, since we're in Broken Arrow.

I was wearing a long red coat, and trailing six little kids.

We should all have worn our tinfoil hats so we could recognize each other :-).

[manymasks]

I was surprised at the size of the crowd at this rally - way different from the faithful that gathered at 61st & Yale during the election contest.

[GailA]

Support our Troops bump.

[2Jedismom]

My pictures are downloading to my York account right now, then I'll post some...I took forty!!

I shook the hand of a soldier on our way out and thanked him. Our eyes met and we just looked at each other for a moment and I'll never forget it for the rest of my days...the look of appreciation and pride in his eyes.

[2Jedismom]

Thanks for the bump...a small rally comparatively, but very enthusiastic!

[NeoCaveman]

Congrats Tulsa. We had a great one in Cleveland today, despite the bitter cold. Glad you had a great turn out too.

[savedbygrace]

Thanks for the report. Great looking kids. I'd guess they keep you on your toes.

[Tax-chick]

I had to take a couple of my kids to the bathroom, and a group of Vietnam vets were hanging out around the coffee sales. I shook hands with half a dozen while I waited. My Dad did two tours.

I don't know if you noticed an old man in a khaki uniform walking along at the bottom of the home team stands ... He's the head of the Veterans' Historical Society, and was one of the liberators of Buchenwald concentration camp.

We sat behind a whole row of WW2 vets. My kids were in awe (except my 2yo, she was just furious that we wouldn't let her play in the puddles!).

Great show for our city!

[2Jedismom]

I don't know if you noticed an old man in a khaki uniform walking along at the bottom of the home team stands ... He's the head of the Veterans' Historical Society, and was one of the liberators of Buchenwald concentration camp.

Yes, I saw the gentleman! Very distinguished and in an older-looking uniform.

He looked very proud, didn't he??

[Tax-chick]

I'm sure he was, to see so many people standing up (freezing their knees ...) for our country. He spoke at a homeschool program last spring, and told us that his commander in Europe ordered as many of the soldiers as possible to visit the concentration camps, because he knew that eventually people would start saying it all never happened. It just gave us the chills!

Speaking of chills, my oldest daughter (12) just turned up saying she can't sleep because she's thinking about what Senator Inhofe said about the Iraqi torturers!

I'm glad the younger kids were more interested in yelling than listening. Our 2yo was chanting U S A! all the way home, and the baby was yelling Bub-ba! Bub-ba! (His nickname).

I hope we get this thing going soon ... somebody's saying within 10 days? My brother is in Turkey already.

[Corin Stormhands]

Applause! Applause! Well done!

[2Jedismom]

[2Jedismom]

Representative Sullivan

Bill LaFortune

Senator Inhofe shaking people's hands:

Scott Pruitt

[2Jedismom]

A couple of cute kids with their faces painted with American flags:

And these people brought their dog with them!

[HairOfTheDog]

Well done 2J!

[Tax-chick]

We're in the 3rd picture on post 12. I can just see my 4yo in her pink ski suit, and my 8yo (red coat) holding up his sign. And it might be my husband on the end holding Stompin' Sally.

[Tax-chick]

I meant post 14! Long day ...

[2Jedismom]

spoke at a homeschool program last spring

What homeschool program? We belong to BA CHEF.