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Blue Star Moms and Support Our Troops Modesto Rally
03-20-04
| self
Posted on 03/21/2004 1:26:15 AM PST by Diver Dave
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Horns were honking, passersby waved and gave thumbs up signals to 35 patriots gathered on the corner of Sisk and Standiford in north Modesto on Saturday.
Blue Star Moms, Support Our Troops Group members, and FReeRepublic FReepers proudly and lovingly carried photos of their family members serving in our Armed Forces as well as signs and flags - lots of flags -in honor of our brave warriors.
The well traveled intersection near the entrances of the Vintage Faire Shopping Center just east of the 99 Freeway has served as a rallying point every Saturday for the last 12 months. A small grassy berm provides an area for the placement of "Old Glory" as well as flags of each branch of the Armed Forces, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, POW/MIA, Desert Storm, & Enduring Freedom. A boombox fills the air with music to stir the soul.
Rain or shine, the rally has taken place each week for 3 hours, beginning at 1100 hours. FReeper LarryA has organized each presentation providing and setting up the flags and music each week.
Shortly after 1200, the bugle call to attention fills the air and The Colors are presented as our National Anthem plays on the boombox. The presentation of Colors is followed by the posting of the flag of each of the Armed Forces by a veteran of their respective branch.
At the Saturday rally, California Assemblyman Dave Cogdill shared a few words of gratitude and commendation for the weekly demonstrations, encouraging support for the Commander-In-Chief and then presented FReeper LarryA with a certificate from the California Legislature.
Temperatures reached the mid-80's as reporters from KCRA 3, Sacramento and The Modesto Bee interviewed a large number of those participating in the rally.
As the vehicles passed by with horns blaring in support, we lined the sidewalk with signs, photos, and flags and waved back to the passing motorists.
One couple this embedded reporter talked with decided to come join us after watching the television coverage of all the anti-war demonstrations taking place around the world. Their only child is a Reserve Army soldier serving in Iraq. They sure would like to have him home, but they are soooo proud of him.
An Army private home on two weeks leave stopped by with his uncle and received handshakes and thanks from most everyone present. He will be returning to duty in Iraq, but he knows first-hand that his service to our country is appreciated by the folks back home.
It's great to experience the feeling of pride these family members have in their sons and daughters serving our country for each of us. A salute to those sons and daughters and to the families waiting anxiously for their safe return.
TOPICS: Activism/Chapters; News/Current Events; US: California
KEYWORDS: aar; bluestarmoms; bluestarmothers; oifanniversary; rally; supportourtroops
"The Corner"
Remember the Soldiers - Blue Star Moms display
Reverse side of Blue Star Moms display
Families and Flags
Families and Flags
Three generations - Grandpa, Dad and son on their shirts
Assemblyman Dave Cogdill and FReeper LarryA
Blue Star Photo layout
Blue Star Flag
Private and Uncle
Embedded Reporter
Marine Mom - She has been present at most all rallies for 12 months.
To: Diver Dave
Wonderful photos DD.
"Land of the Free because of the Brave." I love it.
2
posted on
03/21/2004 1:28:59 AM PST
by
onyx
(Kerry' s a Veteran, but so were Lee Harvey Oswald, Timothy McVeigh and Benedict Arnold.)
To: Jim Robinson; LarryA; Dr. Zoo; Trteamer; JustAmy; Mama_Bear; Billie; dutchess; Aquamarine; ...
Thanks Jim.
ping
To: Diver Dave
Great report! Beautiful pictures! Outstanding work!!
4
posted on
03/21/2004 1:33:35 AM PST
by
Jim Robinson
(warning: some parts of this post may be plagiarized - some parts may be sarcasm - no parts edible)
To: Diver Dave
You guys tell the others about Free Republic right??
5
posted on
03/21/2004 1:33:44 AM PST
by
GeronL
(http://www.ArmorforCongress.com......................Send a Freeper to Congress!)
To: GeronL
You betcha!
To: Diver Dave
Just don't drone on incessantly, we only do that online =o)
7
posted on
03/21/2004 1:38:24 AM PST
by
GeronL
(http://www.ArmorforCongress.com......................Send a Freeper to Congress!)
To: Diver Dave
we're only supposed to do that online.
we can't all help ourselves of course
8
posted on
03/21/2004 1:38:57 AM PST
by
GeronL
(http://www.ArmorforCongress.com......................Send a Freeper to Congress!)
To: Diver Dave
Terrific!Thank You for this beautiful display of support.God bless our armed forces.
>>>>HOME OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE>>>>
9
posted on
03/21/2004 2:53:21 AM PST
by
MEG33
(John Kerry's been AWOL for two decades on issues of National Security!)
To: Diver Dave
Excellent report! Thanks for getting out and supporting our Troops.
10
posted on
03/21/2004 5:46:43 AM PST
by
Aquamarine
(If there's no link between 9/11 and the invasion of Iraq, why did al Qaeda blow up those trains?)
To: Diver Dave
Wow, That's awesome! Great looking bunch of Americans!
You make us all proud!
11
posted on
03/21/2004 6:44:33 AM PST
by
senorita
(A real American native)
To: Diver Dave
Yahoo!! Way to go, Modesto!!
12
posted on
03/21/2004 6:46:27 AM PST
by
Saundra Duffy
(For victory & freedom!!!)
To: Diver Dave
Thanks for the report Diver Dave!
To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
BTTT
14
posted on
03/21/2004 10:15:28 AM PST
by
cyborg
(Tafadhali nataka bia [pombe] baridi)
To: Diver Dave
Great report...great pictures....great patriots....God bless our military men, women and their families. God bless FR!
15
posted on
03/21/2004 10:23:04 AM PST
by
dutchess
To: Diver Dave
Gosh, I have been reading these wonderful reports for 2 days! It is so important our military know we are out here. Missouri sends our regards, and our profound thanks!
To: Diver Dave
These pictures are terrific Dave! Blue Star Mom's picture poster is wonderful. Thanks to all of you for the terrific job you did! I am sad to say I was traveling and couldn't participate in our rally! I was sick enough to listen to the San Francisco thugs on the radio. Needless to say I was screaming at the radio all the way from LA to Fresno! :-)
17
posted on
03/21/2004 8:37:18 PM PST
by
ladyinred
(democrats have blood on their hands!)
To: Diver Dave
Great Photos!!!! Good job. You guys made me feel much better after a few let downs tonight.
18
posted on
03/21/2004 8:40:14 PM PST
by
armymarinemom
(Show your support for our troops-March 13th DC by Blue Star Mothers-All patriots welcomed)
To: Diver Dave
simply marvelous Diver.... Wow, is was a nice very warm day Sat.... looks like everyone was enjoying themselves. Cogill there, kudos!
19
posted on
03/22/2004 5:22:42 AM PST
by
runningbear
(Lurkers beware, Freeping is public opinions based on facts, theories, and news online.......)
To: Diver Dave
Excellent work Diver Dave et al.
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