Posted on 08/28/2005 3:14:54 PM PDT by basil
Edited on 08/28/2005 4:56:03 PM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
So now it's all a part of history. Would that all of you could have been there to take part in this joyous day of celebrating our troops, our president, and our mission. Everyone who was able to attend saw different things, had different experiences, came away with a different idea of what transpired yesterday. That is the nature of how these things work.
My own perspective is that the event was a huge success. The number of people who gave freely of their time, their pocketbooks, their expertise, their muscle power, and their overwhelmning support was truly phenomenal! What a heart-lifting experience to be surrounded by good, all American Americans! What a contrast to those poor people on the left, with their sad faces, their misplaced loyalty, and in some cases, their desire to destroy this, the most successful country the world has ever seen.
My perspective on the day will probably be surprising to some, especially to those who have never been involved in the planning and execution of a large event like this. The truth of the matter is that during the event, you are too busy to see and hear what is going on up on the stage, and around the periphery of the event. There are always details to keep up with, people needing something taken care of IMMEDIATELY, some minor emergency or some request, that keeps you focused on that little subject, instead of what's happening a bit futher afield from your location at the moment. In actuality, in a lot of ways, I wasn't there!
There was never a time to just stop and listen to this speaker or that one---most of them, I didn't hear at all. The one thing I did hear was the lovely singing of our anthem by Mr. Bruce Odems, a career Austin Firefighter, and a veteran of the 1st Gulf War. No one could miss him, as his lovely voice was projected so beautifully out over the crowd. Then, it was time to turn back and take care of other details.
Many thanks to TXBubba for keeping a live thread going--(someday, I will have finished reading all of those 3 thousand plus posts). I was not very helpful as the phone connection was so bad for one thing, and for another, there were so many things happening that I didn't yet know about, so I couldn't tell her about them. And--well, I have to add that some of the things I told her turned out to be not true anyway, so maybe some of that bad phone reception was a good thing--LOL!
There are so many people who did a yeoman's job of making this thing a roaring success. It was incredible--people from all over the country just showed up with wonderful contributions, and went to work right away. I'm going to start a list of the ones I remember off the top of my head, and hope that The Sarce, Gracey, Drewsdad, and all the other freepers there will add to the list.
First of all, of course, is Kristinn. There are not enough adjectives in the English language to describe the contribution he made to this endeavor. Those of you who know Kristinn know what I mean--the rest of you will have to take our word for it. Kristinn is Kristinn and is one of FR's finest gifts.
While mentioning Kristinn, I have to interject and mention that 2 of my very good non-freeper friends who happen to live very near Crawford took over the duty of chauffering the non-driving Kristinn around all day every day from Wednesday through yesterday--when they even had to drive him about 100 miles to the DFW airiport, as the shuttle flight from Waco had mechanical problems. I won't mention there full names here for obvious reason, but Rich and Gail, you know who you are, and you have our gratitude!
One of our newer freepers, by the name of FFforFreedom-I think I got that right, but will check it to be sure-just literally connected with me, and got the ball rolling putting members of the Austin Firefighters Union to work, and rounding up supplies for the rally. The list of things they added is a long one, but one of the bigest things they contributed was sheer muscle power, hard work, heart, and sweat. They are the guys who furnished the barbeque and other food (and it was delicious). They hauled their grill and the power system to run it out to the site early in the day, and the smell of grilling sausage and brisket filled the air. They furnished water, ice, generators, fans, the EMS service, and on and on. They even hauled in a discarded old bathtub and iced down a load of watermelons in it! That's pure Texas, folks--LOL! Please give a word of thanks for these fine fellows. As the packing up, cleaning up was underway, FFforFreedom was nowhere to be seen--and then, all of a sudden, I spy him walking across the field, holding up his own IV! Seems he had finally been overcome by the heat and had to be administered to himself by the very EMS that he was responsible for getting onsite! He was on his way back to join his crew in cleaning up and packing up!
There were the two female dynamos from Ft. Benning, GA, who just came out of nowhere--with their 3 story tall flag, their balloons, their yellow ribbons, tents, and on and on. It was these young ladies who paid to rent out the air conditioned Community Center for EMS to have a place to bring in victims of the extreme heat for treatment. These gals were like a whirling dervish--came in, set up, broke it down, and carried it away. The engineering, heavy equipment, and all the details necessary to pull this off were just there--that's all--they just showed up.
The wonderful speakers, who truly spoke from their hearts, the families with loved ones serving in the Middle East, the bikers, the people on horseback, the true Gold Star Families--the people who made all the sacrifices to get to the rally from near and far--all contributed greatly to this wonderful day of patriotism and support for our fighting troops, their Commander In Chief, our mission.
Have no worry about lack of media coverage. (Is anyone really surprised?). Many, many cameras got this rally memorialized on film, and that film will find it's way to Iraq and Afghanistan and our toops will know that there is huge support for them in the U S of A! That was the point--that was our message, and our Service Men and Women will know this!
I will close with one personal incident that occurred at the end of this very long day. Forgive me, but I just feel the need "share" this.
We're finally on the road for home--it's about 8:30 PM or so, and Doctor Raoul is driving. He is an excellent, very safe driver (although he drives a bit slower than I do--LOL!) Anyway, after a while, he tells me that he has sort of hit the wall, and is having trouble keeping his eyes open. So we switch, and I take over the wheel. Raoul is now in the passenger seat, trying to snatch a few ZZZZZZ's, when he stirs, and says, "Is that a siren I hear?" I look out the rear window, and sure enough--I see these flashing blue and white lights, and the siren is growing closer. (Keep in mind, I've been behind the wheel for --oh maybe 5 minutes). Of course, I'm being nabbed--LOL!.
I pulled over , and my "new friend in blue" pulls in behind me. Also, you must know, we were on a back road, not a major highway, and there was very little traffic, and nothing but open road ahead. I didn't want anyone to get the idea that I was endangering anyone--but I was definitely speeding.
So the cop walks up and introduces himself as Officer so and so, from the Hutto TX police dept, and that he clocked me going 76 in a 65 mph zone. I tell him, "Guilty as charged, officer, and it is also my obligation to let you know that I am armed." He asked if I had a License to carry the gun, and I said yes. And then............................
His radio squawked--
and the message is that there is an erratic driver on the road, with a child in the car. The officer looks at me, and says. "Be on your way, and drive safely!" He hadn't even gotten around to asking for my driver's license! He ran back to his car and took off!
Doctor Raoul, who never opened his mouth during all of this, was wondering if he dreamt the whole episode. I told him no, it happened, and it just goes to show that there is a GOD! End of story--the rest of you take over with your details now, please--I've already been far too long-winded!
Awesome job, well done! And just so you know...the Bansheehan Bus will find similar sights along the way! :-)
Great report. Thank you for all your efforts.
RD
Well done and thanks for the report.
BTTT.
Thanks injin for that GSW story. Got there way too late to run into any known FR folks, but spent some long moments at Ft. Qualls. Thanks to you heroes of HOT and my DC buddies for what you accomplished. The folks of Crawford I met were thumbs up and proud of the show you all brought to town.
I will second that about Kristinn. Thank you from my heart Kristinn for all you do.
I am nearly in tears as I type this because I am so happy that all of you went there to stand up for our country and our troops. God bless you all.
First of all, of course, is Kristinn. There are not enough adjectives in the English language to describe the contribution he.....makes for us all!
Kristinn and Doctor Raoul, you were missed Friday night. Luckily we found about eight dozen extras to fill your shoes. It was a sight to behold. ;*)
Obviously you've never been in a car with her...I have....LOL
BTW, I told you that you'd get more than 500 to show up....LOL
You bring tears to my eyes, a smile to my lips and laughter at your antics.
God bless you and all the others who participated in the Support Our Troops Rally in Crawford. A great big THANK YOU, as well. It was a good day and our messages of support will find their way to the people who matter.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS, GOD BLESS PRESIDENT BUSH AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!
FReep On!
I'm so glad to hear that. Those wonderful people have had to put up with a lot and I hope they made LOTS of money over the weekend.
For those who don't know, Angelwood makes the most fitting, wonderful buttons for most all freeper events. They are outstanding, and she sent a supply of "Support the troops" buttons to pass out at the rally. They were a hot item!
BTW, Angel--Kristinn is bringing home the bacon.
Basil, you all did a wonderful job. What a difference a week or two makes when Freepers decide to counter attack. I will admit, they caught us off guard early on. Now, they see what they get when they mess with the TRUTH.
Proud of Kristinn and Doctor Raoul for doing the AWAY trip.
Lots of us that couldn't make it were rooting you all on. And guess what, you all suceeded.
No Longer did that griven lady get all the coverage, although the MSM tried to avoid you.
Personally, my take was that YOU ALL SHOCKED THE MSM. They never figured this was coming.
THANK YOU TEXAS FREEPERD. THANK YOU ALL THAT ATTENDED.
Wtg Basil and everyone. There was one small mention on the eleven o'clock news on ABC. "...and on the other side of town a counter protest was taking place."
Beth,
Excellent. Look forward to freeping with you on the 24th! I haven't been to a freep in forever. Cannot wait!
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Thank you, thank you, thank you....to ALL who attended, and all who have posted their comments, reports and PICTURES on other threads! You are all awesome!
I saw a nice articles in 3 major Pennsylvania papers here today. OK, they were burried on pages 6-9 but they were good articles. I even saw a picture from the Freeper tent of a lady (don't know her) in red, white and blue. I could see Jim Rob's foot in the background so I know it was us.
All of the Freepers and others that went to this served a major purpose, and that is to let the MSM know that there are other opinions out there. Until our friends took actiion, the MSM was disgusting.
Still lots of work to do. Hope to see you in the future again dixie.
Out-freeping-standing FReep! All of you did a fantastic job, I only wish I could have been there with you.
Great report! I'm glad things went so well for all of you great Americans. :) Today I went out to eat with my family and the restaurant we were in had CNN playing. I couldn't hear the sound but could see the pictures. They were not showing the rally but were showing the pics of the people tearing up the protest warrior sign. I was so frustrated because i couldn't hear and was wondering how they were spinning the incident. Did any one else see this coverage?
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