For the last five weeks, local community members have been gathering every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Pioneer Courthouse Square to rally support for U.S. troops fighting in Iraq.
For many of these people, their presence each Sunday is in direct response to the war protests that have been occurring in the last several weeks.
“I’m very disappointed in our youth today,” said Chuck Dougherty, director of Portland’s First Cavalry Association. “They get all the benefits of our country and they’re so easy to protest this country. They’re irresponsible.”
Another man, who wished to be identified only as Tony M., shared these sentiments: “Their (the protesters’) actions speak so loud, I can’t hear their words.”
Some people were there, however, for the sole purpose of supporting their troops.
“I want to show support and show the silent, strong voice,” Janice Daniels said. “We do need to speak up, because nobody’s hearing us.”
Her husband, Dale, and their two sons were with her.
“You don’t have to believe in the war,” Don Beska said, “but we have to support our troops. We can’t have another Vietnam.”
Charles Proudfoot feels that the United States’ action against Iraq is long overdue.
“That crazy Saddam should’ve been taken care of 11, 12 years ago in that Desert Storm. Now that Bin Laden’s starting his stuff up, we should just go over and clean out all those countries,” Proudfoot said.
The crowd of approximately 50 people ranged in ages, from older veterans of the Vietnam and Korean wars, to young children with their parents.
Two brothers from Wilson High School, DJ and Bobby Van Deusen, came out to show support for the troops and for the Iraqi people.
“I think our troops aren’t getting enough coverage in the media,” DJ said.
There was a cameraman from the Fox 12 News present at the rally last Sunday. Clips from his footage aired on the 10 o’clock news that evening.
The people who attended the rally were not a particularly loud crowd. However, two large banners made a significant statement.
The two banners, approximately 3 feet by 10 feet, each read, “Yes! I support our troops. America says ‘Thank You.'”
They were filled on both sides with thousands of signatures by people from all 50 states and five foreign countries. People present at the rally last Sunday added their own messages of support.
The banners were sent out on Monday to Captain Neil McKenna and his squadron, currently stationed in Iraq.
The banners made their first appearance at the Sun and Fun Air Show in Florida on April 2 and were put together by Dean Zinter of the “Dead Gophers” squadron out of Aurora, Ore.
“It isn’t about me,” Zinter was quick to mention. “It’s about America.”
After about an hour of general milling, Herb Chow, a Portland State alumnus, organized everyone near the steps in the square and invited anyone who wished to stand up and share their feelings about the war.
“There are people that are very traumatized by what’s happened to them,” Chow said.
Among the many commentaries, one person led the group in the pledge of allegiance, which was met with clapping and cheers after it had been recited.
Another person said a prayer for the troops, while yet another led a round of “God Bless America.” There were also several times when the crowd chanted “USA” and “Support our troops.”
One man, Andrew Lockwood, spoke passionately about his support for the troops.
“Our troops understand their mission,” Lockwood said. “They know what they’re supposed to do. They believe in their mission, and they will not come home until they accomplish that.”
Another individual suggested they conclude their rally by marching around the square, to share their message with others and not just themselves.
The march concluded the day’s rally, led by a sea of American flags, as well as some U.S. Marine Corps flags and British flags.
Chow promised they would be in Pioneer Courthouse Square every Sunday, “until our troops come home.”