I blew into Arlington around 2:30 Friday ~ with only one recalculation by my GPS “lady”~ don’t laugh, I could get lost in my hometown!  Met up with Leta and Tracy from Tanker Brothers at the hotel and I swear, we didn’t stop talking until we all went our separate ways for home.  Two very wonderful people.

We then met up with friends of Leta’s who live in the area.  (I would be very happy if these folks adopted me.)  They had offered to chauffeur us to Walter Reed for the Freeper gathering that night.  But first we went to Arlington Cemetery before having dinner to see the Changing of the Guard.  It always amazes me that all the times I’ve been to it, I’ve never seen any kids act up.  They even seem to get the sacredness of the ceremony.  Of course, I didn’t see any moonbats there ~ heh.

If you ever get to go to a Freeper Friday night at Walter Reed, do so!  What a terrific soldier-loving bunch of folks to be with.  I’m not used to so much friendliness and true patriotic attitude.

(Sorry for the quality of the photos – it was dark and rainy)

As you can see, rain does not deter these folks from showing the soldiers at WR how much they are appreciated.  They are out there every Friday night, no matter the weather.

These folks walk their talk!

I met ConcreteBob from DC Protest Warrior (he has more energy than the Energizer Bunny!!)  and CJ from A Soldier’s Perspective and his family (who are the nicest people!)

CJ ahd exciting news to tell ~ I’m sure most of my regular readers (bless your hearts) have seen it but if you haven’t, follow this link:

A Day at the Office

The meeting included:

Eight milbloggers were present and two attended via a VTC (video teleconference) from Baghdad – Bill Roggio of the Long War Journal, Bill Ardolino of INDC Journal.  Those present and accounted for in the West Wing were The Armorer of Argghhh!, Matt Burden of Blackfive, Mrs. Greyhawk of Mudville Gazette (Greyhawk was also attending to the nation’s business and unable to attend), NZ Bear of the TTLB and the Victory Caucus , Steve Schippert of Threats Watch, Ward Carroll of Military.Com (an all-around great guy and pleasure to be around) and, of course,  Mohammed of Iraq the Model.  

Hoo-frickin-Ah!!!

The Code Pinkers didn’t stand a chance with their little “soldier supporting vigil”.  Well, that’s what they think it is ~ really!  Yeah, and I have lake property in the desert to sell ya…

I didn’t take any photos of them.  Lord, knows I’ve seen enough of their kind in Santa Cruz.

Saturday morning, we met up with everyone at the Navy Memorial.  There was some kind of event planned and the Navy Color Guard marched up ~

 

 

We also met three young men who were headed to the GOE Rally and one had this terrific t-shirt on ~

I loved it!!

Off we went to the rally.  When we arrived, we saw a sea of flags ~

Melanie Morgan from Move America Forward emceed the Gathering of Eagles rally.  Head over to MAF’s site to read about their “Fight For Victory” caravan travels and see wonderful photos.

Diana Nagy sang her song “Where Freedom Flies”.  You can listen to a bit of it here.  To order the cd, go here.

Of course I cried.  And that wasn’t the only time.

Rep. Duncan Hunter came by to speak and offer his appreciation and support.

 I was so wishing my camera had a mic ~ all the speakers were so inspiring.  Gold Star parents, Blue Star parents, and Vets.

I was able to meet and talk to some of my fellow Virginian bloggers ~  How I love saying “Virginian” instead of “Californian”!

Here are some of my favorite signs:

and

and

The Pinkers march started late.  They never are on time but then, pot has a way of making time bend.

One of the GOEs was getting impatient and drew up this sign:

 

 

 

Maybe they thought they’d wait us out – Ha!

 

For 3 blocks on both sides, this is what they would see.

Many of the anti-American marchers held up their hands in the “V” sign.  Of course, to them that’s the peace sign.  I have always taken it to mean “Victory”.  So I flashed it back at them and yelled V for Victory.  They’d get all pissy.  But then they are always pissy about something.  No sense of humor, unless it’s tearing down something or someone.

 

Gee, looks just like downtown Santa Cruz…

 

The obligatory tie dye…

I wonder if these were some of the college kids bussed in who will be receiving extra credit in their classes for their participation.  Funny, don’t think any of our gathering needed extra credit to get us to attend….

 

The obligatory protest scarves…

 

 

Now there’s a “peaceful” sentiment…

We arrived at the Die-In too late to see all the scuffling and arrests.  But there was this sign as we approached the area:

I guess “separation of Church and State” only applies if it doesn’t fit your agenda…

I wandered around some and came across this man and had to take a photo:

Heh!

The numbers weren’t as large as in March at GOE I, but we are getting our message across.   If we keep showing up and letting our elected critters know that the woman who will not be named, Code Pink, ANSWER, etc. etc. don’t speak for us, we will take back our country from those who wish her demise.

This country is a Republic, not a Socialist commune.

 

For more on the rally, see these sites:   Lots of great photos and videos

 Age of Hooper

(For a good idea of where I just moved from, watch Hooper’s video More Protest Music.

I swear, many of these are Santa Cruzans.  Hmmmm,   so familiar!)

Michele Malkin  who has these links posted:

1. Wake up America-Picture emailed to me
2. Old War Dogs
3. As I See it » Anti-war protestors vs Gathering of Eagles.
4. Big Dogs Weblog
5. Winds Of Jihad » Blog Archive » Nutroot Orgy in DC by Sheik yer’mami
6. Hot Air » Blog Archive » Photo of the Day
7. Blue Star Chronicles
8. THE MIDNIGHT SUN » Blog Archive » WE HAVE MET THE ENEMY AND HE IS US
9. Iraq/Syria and the US of A « I Think ^(Link) Therefore I Err
10. Pirate’s Cove » >>Americans Never Quit » Sorta Blogless Sunday Pinup
11. Cao’s Blog
12. Mudville Gazette
13. southchild » Blog Archive » Gathering of Eagles v. Moonbats-R-Us
14. It’s a MAN, baby! (NTTAWWT)
15. Hot Air » Blog Archive » Moonbats on the march: It’s bigger than Iraq
16. Wake up America-Reactions to Rallies
17. Washington DC Rallies and Counter-protests: Part Two-Coverage at Conservative Times–Republican GOP news source.
18. Don Surber » Blog Archive » Masochistic lefties
19. MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
20. Right Voices » Blog Archive » The Gathering Of Eagles Get A Big Fat 0 To The Anti War Protestors 189
21. Illusion Or Reality » Blog Archive » Sunday News Wrap
22. Take Our Country Back
23. Right Voices » Blog Archive » Open Trackback: The Gathering Of Eagles Get A Big Fat 0 To The Anti War Protestors 189
24. Hot Air » Blog Archive » Hot Air video: Infiltrating the Moonbats in DC
25. Flopping Aces
26. In the Strawberry Field
27. Burkean Reflections
28. Mark Levin Fan
29. Papa Mike’s Blog » Blog Archive » Hot Air video: Infiltrating the Moonbats in DC

and

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