Gang,
Here are some pictures from the DC Rally that I attended on 12 Sep 04. The two guys (Amigos) in the pictures are Bill, who was in the 82nd Airborne Div and Larry was in the First Cavalry. Div., both Vietnam Vets. I met them on the Metro on the way to the Veterans for Truth Rally, and we linked up and stayed together.
There were Marines, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and Vietnamese Veterans in attendance. We also had Veterans from recent wars such as the first Gulf War, The Afghanistan, and Iraq. Many of the Cadets from the local Service academies (West Point, Annapolis) and Marine trainees were in attendance, along with students from local universities. Also, a contingent from Rolling Thunder were the “security Marshals.”
What a “Band Of Brothers!” There were at least ten to fifteen thousand there, maybe more.
From Larry Bailey (EX-Navy SEAL and President of the Veterans for Truth) to the EX-POWs and daughters of KIA that are on “The Wall” to an Army Nurse officer, the speakers stressed that it was NOT about Kerry’s war record, but his ANTI WAR activities after returning to the states from his “shortened tour.” Very powerful speeches,and often emotional.
The Rally started with the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.
The music that was playing during the beginning was from the 60s and 70s – quite appropriate. Iron Butterfly, the Dead, Rolling Stones, Beatles, etc.
As you can see from the next to last picture, I got my “Unfit for Command” book autographed by the author, John O’Neil.
And, YES, I had a great time!
Regards, Walt Emerson