Gathering of Eagles
Gathering of Eagles
1000 Hours, March 17, 2007
Viet Nam Memorial Wall
Washington, D.C.
“A helpless sparrow can drift with the wind. It takes an “Eagle” to fly against the storm.”
The anti-war/anti-America groups are planning a “march to the Pentagon” on March 17, 2007…this group has intentions that defenders of freedom cannot overlook or allow to occur…there must be a challenge.
Here’s a portion from the “anti-war” web site that causes considerable concern: “The biggest single group of new volunteers and activists are soldiers and marines who have returned from Iraq. Their family members and other veterans are also organizing to March on the Pentagon. The opening rally will assemble at the Vietnam Memorial (Constitution Gardens) at noon.”
The anti-war/anti-America group cannot be allowed to use the Viet Nam Memorial Wall as a back-drop to their anti-America venom and stain the hallowed ground that virtually cries out with blood at the thought of this proposed desecration….it must not happen.
Many are encouraging a ”Gathering of Eagles” (symbolic of our freedom) at the Viet Nam Memorial Wall on March 17, 2007, as a signal that a segment of America does not agree with the “anti-war/anti-America” rally on the same day. As noted above, the anti-war/anti-America crowd is publishing intention to use the Viet Nam Memorial as a backdrop to their rally………..this cannot happen……..it cannot go unchallenged.
Based on the input received, here is what is suggested as a means to identify those of us attending/visiting the Viet Nam Memorial wall and other Memorials on March 17, 2007 opposing the anti-war distortions.
We want to send a different message than the “anti-war/anti-America” surrender crowd, so we should be clearly set apart from them.
- Wear an Armband on the right arm ….any color will work, wear the color you desire, but wear an Armband…flag armbands are being prepared….will advise on this.
- On the armband each person should print something, e.g. WWII, Korea, Nam, Iraq, spouse, widow, POW, or other respectful phrase one wants to help us identify one another.
We need to remember all American’s are invited to support our effort which is intended as a defender of hallowed ground and intended as a non-violent competition between those that would sell out America and those of us who support freedom and keeping the fight with the enemy on distant shores.
Many of us will be wearing favorite caps, shirts, jackets, jungle fatigues, desert dress, uniforms, medals, VFW/Legion, etc. to include the Red Armband……….it will be a grand reunion, a time of new friendships, which will also, God willing, rekindle a new light of American patriotism which would filter down the mall toward the Capitol of the United States…..maybe even the main stream media (MSM)
…..obviously more detail is needed which will come as we draw nearer.
We know some of the, who, what, when, why, where, …….it’s up to each of us to supply the “how”.
More details to follow………..
Harry Riley, COL, USA, Ret
February 5th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
I’ll be there, but I will probably not be wearing a red arm band. A red arm band simply has too much baggage attached.
I recognize the import of identification, but the context leaves the MSM and others the possibility of associating military looking folks with the Nazis and other historical wearers of red.
Look forward to meeting you on site, and much thanks for taking the lead in this.
February 7th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
The red arm band is indeed a tactical error. I will not wear one. It brings up images of the Khmer Rouge, communists, and other leftist revolutionaries and murderers.
February 7th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
There is nothing mandatory about the red armband……..the idea was identity of our visitors…most felt red would stand out the best….if red turns anyone off…..wear something else but do wear an armband
February 7th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
I’ll be there if I can persuade my colon to stop pretending its’s a firehose. In the meantime, I’ll try to accouter myself with a WWII Vet billcap or sometthing of the sort. I have a spectacular Stars & Stripes necktie given to me by an old buddy. Maybe I can persuade some nice young chick to tie it on my sleeve?
72nd TCS
URL: http://veteranamerican.info/
February 7th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
I agree, the red arm band is a problem.
Red, White and Blue may or may not be difficult to find, but I think it would be preferable or even White or Blue along with Red would not be bad, especially if Red signified Purple Heart, Blue a Veteran and White a Supporter…
Anyway, I am happy to hear that a response is being generated and invite you to come to usmilnet.com, a Military Forum, for more support.
February 7th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
I am disgusted by your choice to label peace seeking Americans as Anti-American. By your logic that would mean that war is Pro-American. That is pretty hard to accept when you conisder the fact that war has killed and maimed numerous Americans, including innocent bystanders. This former Health Care Specialist is grateful to be out of the Army and away from people like you who equate war with patriotism. Go ahead and show up with your red armband, just don’t forget to include the black swastika inside a white circle so the media will know where you truly stand.
February 8th, 2007 at 7:10 am
Poe Boy……….I have been in the fox-hole for an extended period of time and I am not looking for war………only the deranged would want to put themselves in situations that might cost them their life………Military men and women are not pro-war, we are pro America and not willing to participate in dragging our nation down nor putting our warriors in harms way in further danger, hurting their morale, or giving aid and comfort to the enemy………there are many ways to voice a position, but in time of war we don’t give aid and comfort to the enemy.
Nor, do we allow those intent on pursuing an agenda by vandalizing, desecrating or in any way dishonoring Memorials that stand in silence in honor of our fallen.
The anti-war crowd has demonstrated they will destroy, damage or vandalize and the empiricla evidence is the recent demonstration at the US Capitol………it won’t happen at the Viet Nam Memorial Wall.
February 8th, 2007 at 8:00 am
“A helpless sparrow can drift with the wind. It takes an “Eagle” to fly against the storm.”
That quote seems more appropriate for the anti-war group then veterans who wish to stand against the very things they fought for. Freedom of speech, Freedom of Peaceful assembly, and democracy.
As one who stood as with thousands of other Viet Nam Veterans against the police action of Nam, and now stands proudly with Vets against The War, I personally find this planned event of yours against the very principles and morals of warriors of integrity.
February 14th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Is this a free speech zone?
February 17th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
Decent and respectful speech is always welcome……if you have a point, make it
February 19th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
I’m honored you have allowed me to speak. My father was a WWII veteran and our family was holy patriotic. Our flag would fly at every holiday and I learned at a very early age to respect that symbol of our freedom and integrity. I truly respect your decision to guard the Vietnam Memorial. But I ask that your minds might be open to the protesters that want this war to end. The people I have gotten to know through these groups are the most patriotic individuals I have ever met. They pay attention and know what is happening to our country and our sanctity as world citizens. By referring to them as anti-American is like calling yourself anti-American and I will not even believe that for a second. As soldiers you took an Oath of Office to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Dearest soldiers, that document has been desecrated by the very leaders who have manipulated the people into believing the war in Iraq is justified. Our occupation of Iraq was based upon manipulation and lies. And there is still more danger of our leaders elitist agenda lurking in Iran and elsewhere, so we have to join together here at home to avoid potential catastrophe. I only ask that you guard that monument with all your heart and pride, and while there, shake the hands of the American’s who believe in this country enough to try to halt the atrocity these leaders have inflicted upon our nation. It is not left or right, democrat or republican. It is the elite against us all. And we need each other to redeem our integrity and truth. Thank you and may God bless each and every one of us.