Dear Patriots,
I'm still on cloud 9, words cannot express the pure joy and pride I'm feeling. Yesterday's Flag Day / Army Birthday celebration will be hard to top. Congrats to ALL OF YOU for taking time out of your lives to make such a positive patriotic statement. I am still applauding for the superb presentation of old fashioned American pride, we truly represented what has made our country so great. We had about 150 people and the other side had about 10. Our red, white, and blue wall was magnificent.
Worth mentioning is that while we were doing our thing in West Chester, simultaneously there were 3 other grassroots events taking place in the area. The Warriors Watch Riders and A Hero's Welcome, were at the airport to greet a returning hero and provide a motorcycle escort. Also, our friends from the West Chester Tea Party and Chester County Action were holding another flag day celebration and town hall meeting in Kennett Square. All these events had huge turnout and support and I think we should feel good that we know we are not alone, there are others who are getting off the couch and going out to show public support for our country and our troops. Bravo to all of us!!
You can enjoy photos taken by "NeoCon", our long time friend and professional photographer. He's taken photos of our rallies for almost 2 years, and I must say I think the ones from yesterday are his best yet. He captured it all, see them here.
Also, Skye did another terrific job with her report and photos. Please check them out here:
Skye's report will include some video of the speeches made at the reception. I can't say enough about Skye, who has been documenting our rallies since the very beginning almost 2 years ago. Thanks so much!
Special thanks to the Knights of Columbus for having their Color Corps there. These Knights are all 4th degree knights (that's the highest degree) and more patriotic men you cannot find. They wore their chapeaus, caps, and swords. There was 8 of them and they added a touch of class to the entire presentation. Most of them have sons or daughters serving in the military. Most are vets themselves.
Thanks to Marine Ray Farrell for playing his bagpipes in full celtic uniform (with kelt). He played a lot of songs, and although he was by himself, he sounded like 10.
His rendition of Amazing Grace, and the Army song was awesome. Thanks Ray!
Special thanks to Mayor Dick Yoder, Sheriff Carolyn Bunny Welsh, State Rep Curt Schroder, and Gathering of Eagels Chris Hill. They gave incredible, inspiring speeches and if you weren't there, you're in luck because Skye has them on video for you to see and hear.
Mayor Yoder was terrific, he's a West Chester icon, former coach and athletic director at West Chester University, he also spent 6-years in the Marines and he told us about his son who went to West Point. He proudly wore his Marine Corps hat to the rally.
Sheriff Bunny looked great in her red, white, and blue scarf and described how she was raised to love the flag and how all of her children and grandchildren know what the flags means and how to love and respect it. We are lucky to have her as Sheriff, and even more lucky to know she wants to run for another term. We learned that "Sheriff" is the only law enforcement official in the USA that is elected. And she does a great job and is a woman with our values and principles and is proud to have the 10 commandments displayed in her office.
Curt Schroder thanked us for all we do every Saturday, "You guys are out there in rain or shine, hot or cold and what you are doing is so important". He also desribed his concern with the way the country is going and why its important that grassroots groups like ours are key to turning this around. Curt is a treasure and a huge supporter of us. We are lucky to have him working for us in the PA state legislation.
Chris Hill represented his beloved Army on its 234th birthday with another uplifting speech. He's a natural speaker and his story of bravery at Bunker Hill, hearing soldier after soldier willingly risked their lives to make sure our flag was still standing all through a barrage of cannon fire and bullets through the day and night..... put a lump in everyone's throat.
Also we had a Vietnam Vet, Purple Heart recipient named Bud Ross - who gave a heartfelt speech about all the great soldiers that didn't come home. He is the Chairman of the Purple Heart Association in Coatesville and they have regular meetings at the Downingtown VFW. I think I'm going to attend one of those one day.
Wow, and we got outstanding coverage in the paper! 2 front page color photos of us (above the fold), one a large group and other of the Knights of Columbus Honor Corps standing by the statue. It had a nice caption and then a big story on page 3, complete with another photos showing the large crowd and all the flags. The article contained a few quotes from the other side, but my opinion, their quotes made them sound irrational, and our quotes made us look and sound like the good decent Americans that we are.
Here's the link to the article in today's Daily Local News.
The rally and reception were perfect. The food was plentiful and delicous (thanks to Tony's Meat on Gay St for catering it). Also special thanks to Carol for bringing 2 cakes - the "Army Cake" was beautiful and so tasty (it had a layer of chocolate pudding). Thanks to all who helped set it up and break it down. Especially Paula, who made this such a stress-free event.
Thanks also to Petty Officer Sean Gross who came in his Navy uniform, he is the reason why this country is so great and we were thrilled and honored that he could be with us yesterday. Thanks Sean!
The door prizes were well-received and everyone truly had a festive time. Thanks again to all of you for making yesterday such a memorial experience.
Finally, thanks to all the Military Family members who were there! You have our hearts and gratitude.
Today, June 14th, is the Army's Birthday and we salute them and keep them in our thoughts as we put our flags out on our patios or windows to celebrate Flag Day. We thank God that we live in the greatest country in the world. Thank You Troops and Thank You Military Families!
To The Troops!
To America!
To Victory!
Rich
