[MinuteGal]

I arrived early and pitched my camp stool in the front row center stage next to two lurkers I had met at the Sarasota rally. Made some passes around the crowd to find other freepers till the crowd got too big and dense to navigate. But I knew they were there somewhere!

(Note to self: next time bring 12-foot tall sign with Free Republic on it).

I estimate between 4-5000 people. A sea of red, white and blue behind me. A formation of Blackhawk helicopters made two low fly-overs right over the crowd and must have loved the sight below of thousands of Old Glories and patriotic arms waving to them.

MC, radio talk show host Glenn Beck, announced good and bad news from the bandstand. Bad news first, the governor of the state of Florida is not showing up for his speech.

Collective groan from the massive crowd.

Then the good news, "I'm honored to present the brother of the Commander-in-Chief of the United States of America, Jeb Bush!".

A collective roar from the crowd!

My favorite signs?

"Give Peace a Chance! - We Did and Got 9/11"

"Thank God for a President with a Backbone!".

Got home in time to see myself in a pan shot on the noon local TV news.

This was BIG, folks. I'm still on a high!

Leni

[floriduh voter]

You're absolutely right, leni. It WAS BIG. Just think when the troops overseas hear about or see images from these rallys. My pictures are still at the drug store. Thanks for your report. FV

[4integrity]

Leni, sorry I missed you. A huge FR flag is a good idea! I checked out the area behind the bandshell several times and did meet up with Tunehead54 and FloriduhVoter. But when the Rally began, I found a shady spot near the water. It was a wonderful day!!! Mrs. Tommy Franks was a great surprise! I just love seeing so much RED, WHITE and BLUE flying proudly.
God Bless our troops and the USA!

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

FV gets on tv too.

FV, well done. There's a reason Glenn chose Sarasota, Sarasota Freepers are becoming legendary...Fresno, DC....Sarasota! America still exists under that left-wing cultural obfuscation and PC BS. (^;

Posting on the live war thread for lurking troops.

Thank you, all!