Posted on 03/24/2003 9:49:10 AM PST by Dan from Michigan
I got there about a quarter to one. Unlike the Piecenik(spelling intentional) rallies, I had trouble finding a place to park my evil assault SUV. That normally isn't a problem. Most of our backers came from the Lansing or Jackson area, but some came all the way from Grand Rapids, Ypsi, Macomb, Grand Blanc, and even Ohio.
According to the Captiol Director, we had 500 people there. If we use peacenik/Million Mom math, that means we had 2500. There were no peaceniks there either, outside of a couple of scouts that didn't speak up.
It was a great event, and unlike a peacenik rally, it's a place where kids could attend. No shouting matches, violence, and stuff like that. This rally WAS peaceful. Our dogs were better than their dogs as well. :) Many of the attendes have family overseas and have brought pictures
The songs weren't Pete Seeger. They were patriotic and were tributes to all branches of our Armed Forces. Doug Williams of the American Legion spoke and provided colorguard for all branches of the Armed Forces. Every theme song for each branch was played.
Eaton County Sheriff Rick Jones was also there and gave his support. I've met him a few times, and he's a good guy and I'd vote for him if I lived there.
Our Pledge of alliance was by 8yr. Cub Scout, James Martin. Our national anthem was played as well.
State Sen. Valde Garcia(Livingston, Shiawasse, part of SE Ingham Counties) spoke at our rally and he's started a network to help our troops and State Rep Jack Brandenberg(St Clair Shores area) attended our rally.
Jason Boles Spoke as well. He served our country in Desert Storm and Desert Shield with the Army 101st Airborne. Kevin Fobbs, vice Chair of the Michigan GOP and Lisa Sarrach also spoke at our rally. They run a program that also helps our troops - Celebration of American Life. They also talked about Hollywood Hero which has a hall of fame and shame.
The rally was closed out with "God Bless the USA", Lee Greenword's tribute to the 911.
Special thanks to apackof2 for leading the way on this rally. She was the master of ceremonies. Jaysgal and sergiod also helped in the planning of this rally.
Thanks to radio personality Rich Michaels who does the morning show for Lansing's 97.5(Oldies and Spartan Games) and a Grand Rapids station as well. He spoke there as well and advertised the event.
And thanks to all of those that helped out and attended this rally. Not everyone around here is a piecenik. In fact, most aren't.
Our Rally inspired the local radio DJ to team up with his counterpart in Grand Rapids,MI and together, (with help from my G.R. buddy, Eileen) we put on another Rally in Grand Rapids this weekend!
Between 500-600 turned out!
I agree, there was a Rally in Holland this Saturday.
Also there is a big rally being planned for May 17th in Lansing at our minor league baseball team home, Oldsmobile Park
But I am wondering about those Detroit Freepers?
We need a big Detroit Rally!
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