It wasn't Washington, D.C. but....

[Pacifist Patriot]

we had a very impressive turnout at our local peace rally. Easily 300 people, a nice crowd considering we gathered 70 back in March at the 2nd anniversary vigil.

This was organized as a bi-partisan non-political event. It consisted of a speech at City Hall by the head of Combat Veterans for Peace, a march through the old downtown area to a riverside park, a short program of 4 speakers personally affected by the war, a reading of the Florida war dead and the playing of Taps.

When we got to the park we were greeted by approximately 60 counter-protestors organized by the Young Republicans. They were insulting and their signs were unbelievable ignorant and assinine. I had no idea that war protestors were funded by Islamic terrorists and communists. I guess these organizations forgot to mail me my check. Bummer, I could use the funds.

I can almost understand their heckling and whistle blowing during the speakers, but despite a polite request that they honor the reading of the names and the playing of Taps, they continued to shout insults, blow whistles and toot horns.

I'm glad they were there. It certainly showed a difference between the two points of view.

Anyway, here is me with the sign I made for the event.

[goclark]

1. You should feel very proud! I love your sign

I believe that the Anti - War Movement should carry the flag proudly.

That flag belongs to us too.

[hiley]

2. Wonderful pic

:patriot:

[Faygo Kid]

3. Zowie. You beam and glow.

For all the right reasons. And forgive me, but I for one thoroughly appreciate it. For all the right reasons. The rest of the crowd behind you obviously happy, too, but not quite the same thing. Good for you.

[Pacifist Patriot]

9. It was 87 degrees. That wasn't glow, that was sweat. LOL!

Thanks! That was one really interesting thing about the rally. The anti-war folks WERE all in a very good and cheerful mood. Anger was rightfully directed at the government when speakers mentioned them. Other than that I really did not get the impression that anyone hated "the other side."

At one point a counter-protester showed up on the other side of the road with a sign that said "Support My Brother." Almost instantly a chant started up "Bring His Brother Home!"

[obxhead]

4. Congrats

Its very bold to take part of a small group sometimes. May America wake up and unite together for Americans again.

[countmyvote4real]

5. Thanks for your report and your local rally.

Did it make your local news?

[Pacifist Patriot]

10. No television coverage but there is a bland story in the

local paper this morning. I'm impressed. They got the headcount pretty close. They say 250 protestors and 70 counter-protestors. Close enough given their track record. I still say we had to have 300 easily.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

6. Thank you,

and I agree that the flag ought to be used by anti-war marchers, too!

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. I completely understand what you are saying about the freepers

I was in Crawford and they made asses of themselves there too. Sad.

[Pacifist Patriot]

12. Fortunately the story in the paper mentioned the heckling...

during the speakers. And although the reporter didn't comment on it directly, a quote from one of the protestors about the counter-protestor's disrespect during the reading of the KIA list made it into the story.

[KT2000]

8. we had one too!

We probably had about 150, which is really good for the rural area where I live. There were so many people driving by and honking and waving and giving the thumbs up! It was very different from the one held at the beginning of the war. Lots of support.
We had all kinds of people too.
There is a plan to meet every Saturday at noon.

Love your sign!

[Alamom]

11. Great , Thank you for posting

We had a good turn out in Birmingham...hopefully the "BEGINNING" everywhere, IN EVERY STATE.

[Pacifist Patriot]

13. I saw another post asking which was more important...

national or local rallies. I'm of the belief that both are important in their own way.

I suspect our merry band has grown, not just because support for the war has eroded overall, but because our local efforts have let others know that they aren't alone in their feelings. There is strength in numbers.

[Pacifist Patriot]

14. Here is the rally as reported by the local newspaper (link)

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050925/NEWS01/509250333/1006

I'm very pleased to see a protestor (actually one of the speakers) have the last word.

[watercolors]

15. This was Melbourne Fl

Hubby and I were there. Yes it was great to see many more people this time.

[Pacifist Patriot]

16. I took plenty of pictures....

Feel free to PM me with your email address if you'd like to see if you are in any of them.