Security Update #1
February 24, 2007
The National Park Service has advised us that no signs, banners, flags, and nothing which could remotely be construed as a weapon will be allowed at the Wall. We are just going to have to travel light when we approach the Wall.
We are negotiating the use of several areas which will be perfect locations for everyone who does wish to display signs, banners, and flags to assemble. Look for more on these specific locations in the future. There will be plenty of places to unfurl all those flags that we are bringing, just not at the Wall itself.
Some may be disappointed at not being able to take their flags to the Wall, but this ruling will make it much easier for everyone to see if someone approaches the Wall with anything which could mark or damage it. This should work to our advantage and be a great help in accomplishing our mission.
Please also understand that a certain amount of flexibility is necessary for all of us. We may need to keep some exact locations of events under wraps in order to keep the opposition from sabotaging our plans. We should have plenty of people on the ground to help direct you where the different activities are happening.
All appropriate permits have been applied for and are being processed. The NPS is very deliberately considering every detail of our (and their) requests and has the best interest of the Memorials at heart as it considers how to best proceed. We will have plenty of space to assemble and operate.
Comments
Podcast Feeds
-
I understand that their rulling is based on security.
Kinda sucks that no flags at the wall though.
I think the impact of all of us standing silently will have more of an effect than anything else. The K.I.S.S. theory IMHO
I do understand the ruling but I question it heavily as a patriotic American. Not a trouble maker here but NPS is asking for a hefty suit here. Having lived through the initiation of the “Stick Ban” at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium at the University of Mississipp,and ensuing lawsuit, Ole Miss as shown by the courts did it right. No I was not one of the stars and bars proponents to get that straight. In this case Ole Miss banned all sticks in the stadium. This included those used to mount the thousands of confederate flags flying in the stands. It was a move by the chancellor to try and get rid of some of the last remaining peices of public displays of racism at the University which had been plagued with it for many years. Later he would also get rid of the mascot Colonel Reb too. A lawsuit ensued, Barrett v. Khayhat later Barrett v. University of Mississippi. The courts ruled that the school did it right. They did not “outlaw” the flag but banned sticks in the stadium for the safety of all in attendance. We all know why they really did it but oh well. The sad thing is the stick ban had to also include umbrellas. However, the courts stated pretty clearly that they could not ban flags, pins, buttons, banners, or anything else not on sticks.
I support whatever NPS decides. Matter of fact less we have to worry about getting hit upside the head with an object. However, in short based on the Barrett case NPS I believer NPS has messed up at this point I do not think they could take this one back and reissue the ban. Ole Miss….very smart. NPS….not looking good at this point guys.
Any J.D.’s out there wanna take this one on?
Well, will it be okay for the peace protestors to carry the aflac duck again and all their signs. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. I remember seeing plenty of signs on television by those protestors on the mall but perhaps my eyes confused me.
I believe the NPS missed it too but at least those lucky enough to go (we’ll be returning from the people’s repuclic of hawaii for good that evening) will be able to say the “peace” protestors were the wrong doers.
I will support and follow all guidelines set forth by NPS. Our presence there is one of silent vigil at the Wall. We are there not only to protect the Wall but to show reverence to our fallen Brothers and Sisters at the memorial. There will plenty of time to make our voices heard and our flags seen enroute to the Pentagon.
I’ll comply with all laws and NPS rulings. I urge everyone to bring a camera and be willing to provide proof of all actions by the AW/AA crowd. And any lack of restraint on the part of any law enforcement agency or to enforce the rules even-handedly. Everyone must have theirself under control. I have faith that they will.
Thank you for the guidelines. As there will be a number of us going in a group taking turns at the Wall while a few mind our flags works well.
“I think the impact of all of us standing silently will have more of an effect than anything else.” -
USMCdaughter1
Well stated. The pro-terrorist pukes would never understand such a simple concept.
Semper Fi
I figured that there would not be flagpoles allowed but what about holding Old Glory with no flag pole? I never go to a counter-protest against the Leftist defeatists here in Louisville with out Old Glory!
[...] is the buzz of the web, and I’m looking forward to covering the event live. Here’s the latest security update for anyone planning on attending: The National Park Service has advised us that no signs, banners, [...]
I will have ny flag on my lapel in the form of a pin!
It will be in my heart!
My grandson who will race that day in Decatur Tx will were an armband in support!
Shoulder to shoulder, back to back, let none enter our HALLOWeD ground who would desecrate.
Keep it quiet and reverent!
We will win and they lose!
Bibman
As a retired police officer, I am licensed to carry a firearm under the Law Enforcement Security Act. It is only for personal protection, as I no longer have powers of arrest etc. If this would cause a problem for the Gathering of Eagles, I probably could have it locked in the hotel safe during the event. Anyone specific at the NPS that I could contact in this regard?
Thanks,
Syl
US Navy ‘70-’74
“We are negotiating the use of several areas which will be perfect locations for everyone who does wish to display signs, banners, and flags to assemble.”
Keep the above in mind. Once the nitwits have left the area of The Wall and are headed for the Pentagon we can do whatever doesn’t get us arrested. I’m thinking of painting my ass red and mooning them. Reckon the red paint will separate me from your average flasher.
What about flags that are sewn on our jackets- in the back?
Those are OK? It is a small flag that is inthe center of my jacket. I sewed it on with my sewing machine and not about to remove it.
i support GOE’s leadership in this mission
Flags are not the issue here. Poles, which could become weapons, and banners, signs and such which obstruct the view of those who protect the Memorials daily and are just as concerned as we are that anyone would take any opportunity to cause damage to the Memorials IS the issue.
So, those with flags sewn onto their clothing should cause no problem to any of us unless you start removing garments, hiding someone behind them who is desecrating the Memorials.
God bless you all for doing this. I wish I could join you but unfortunately I can’t. I did make a small donation to GOE to show my support. Thank you for standing up to the loopy “useful idiots”. God bless you. God bless our men & women in uniform. God bless America !
It’s ok with me if I can’t carry a flag…. mine will be on my shirt and I won’t take that off for anyone.
we dont need wepons to fight off the traitors.
Peacefully vigilant, my Brothers and Sisters.
I hope I can make it there, as I’d be so proud to stand with you all. I’ll wear the fatigue shirt that I wore for 2 tours in Nam as an Army Nurse.
Let the dissenters show the American public how ridiculous and divisive they are to this Country, as we Vets stand strong, Proud, and remember our military training.
EAGLES SOAR !!
That’s right John.
Consider this….away from the Memorials our country’s flag is a part of our everyday lives so in reality, even though we cannot carry Her externally on a sign or a pole, we still carry Her in our hearts and in our blood.
Would it not in all fairness to the Park Service ruling and still being totally respectful to our fallen brothers and sisters whose names adorn the walls of the Vietnam Memorial and all sacred Monuments as we stand guard against the hordes led by Cindy Sheehan and the Muslim Fascist fools that we be allowed to line Constitution Avenue shoulder to shoulder with flag bearing Vietnam and other veterans on March 17th.
This is not for the purpose of using them as weapons, but for the displaying of patriotism and pride in the combat units we proudly served with.
This way we would honor the Park Service wishes by staying off Park Service property while helping to protect our most revered Monuments at the same time as we displayed love of Country and or the units we honorably served with so many years ago.
I’m seriously considering pulling a ‘Zombie’ on the AA/AW crowd. Also, I will be MoBlogging as I go - this allows me to post photos to my blog minutes after I take the picture.
—————————————————-
I urge everyone to bring a camera and be willing to provide proof of all actions by the AW/AA crowd.
This is complete BS on a certain level!! As a US Soldier, no one is going to keep me from bringing my AMERICAN flag (that I have fought and been injured for) to the hallowed (and public) Memorial dedicated to those that made my service possible. If jailtime is the price of flying my flag, see you behind bars.
CJ,
I’ve seen this before in NYC while participating in a counter protest to the AA/AW ‘rememberance’ of the anniversary of the commencement of the liberation of Iraq.
Despite a 25 foot buffer zone between the counter protestors and the unwashed, patchouli-smelling 60’s throwbacks. The NYPD strongly suggested that our group should find another place to display flags and unbrellas due to it being construed as a weapon. No word was said to the ‘other side’ regarding their ‘flags’ and other items.
Typical.
USMCdaughter1 is right on the money. Protesters who chant any kind of slogan can not stand silence, simply because they cannot understand. These types of people are always looking for an argument. It is extremely difficult to argue with silence. We do not need to raise our voices and be like them. When a large group of people stand together in silence, the effect of solidarity is overwhelming. If we wish to protect our memorials, and honor our fallen, there is no better way than to form a human wall, silent in respect to our heros, yet at the ready.
OOH RAH Very well said George
Hello
I’d like to speak about the double standrds of the NPA and the Dept. of Int.
They will collect money and have thier flags and banners and we Veteans will again have our first ammendment rights taken away.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION.
Some one has to tell the world we Veterans have no rights when it come to the ist ammendment.
For the things I will srite about I have documents and photos to prove my writitings.
How the NPA look the other way except when it comes to Veterans.
I am one of the last of Bravo started by The late great Korea/Vietnam Veteran Tony Diamond and the late great Seawolf Tom Weiber (VV VET with 3 PH, 3BS, 3 SS NOT EVEN A COP TO STOP TRAFFIC.
This is what happened to our records and our benefits and our first ammendment rights LOST AND FORGOTTEN>
We better get the !@#$%^&* that the Bonus MArch of the First World War and march St PAtricks day or not.
WE FORGOT WHEN WE FIRST PUT OUR UNIFORMS ON OUR WAR WOULD NEVE3R END UNTIL WE ARE BURRIED.
Dont’ Bury it for our kids MARCH MARCH MARCH. or cut and run and sell excercise tapes and make a fortune making fun of heros.
God bless us all God bless America
Thanks Tim
ps for give my spelling gettin old.
If I come I will be in unifrom and I suggest you all do the same and or go buy one that fits and come with honor .
Wear RED. Patriot Guard Rider’s from across the Nation are swarming to Washington. We have our own colors when we attend funerals for our Fallen Hero’s and our Board of Directors has recommended that we not wear them to this Mission. I suggest to every Veteran or Honorable Citizen who’s intent is to stand Guard to protect this Sacred Memorial is that they wear RED. PGR’s also have their 3×5 Red White and Blue American Flags to shield the families of the Hero from protestors. Bring those and we can form a wall of Red to block the protestors from approaching the Wall and hold the Colors up high to block their dishonorable viewing of the Vietnam Memorial.
David J. Woodward, Vietnam 1968-69. Let our Hero’s rest in Peace.
Wear RED pass it on….. Wear Red pass it on…..
i think the gathering of eagles is a great undertaking im sorry i cant attend hopefully ill be able to view pictures taken by veterans who attend
i hope the protesters will know there a lot of people unlike them who care for their country
Will backpacks and “fastback” water containers be allowed. I am also willing to bring a first aid kit, being a former EMT, if allowed. No weapons.
CJ-
I’m with you, the day that I cannot carry an American flag at a US War Memorial, there will be hell to pay. I will be there peacefully with my flag, and I hope there will be plenty of cameras present to capture the moment if they decide to arrest me.
-Randolph
To engage this enemy in any manner is the path to defeat.
Don’t let them win by coaxing you into a confrontation.
The silence of patriots defending this scared ground will deafening on the 17th.
The silence of patriots defending this sacred ground will deafening on the 17th.
The BoD directive I saw specifically said the board would not tell PGR members what to wear or not.