It only took one person to get the ball rolling, but Christi Capps of West Burlington, Iowa saw her idea spread like wild fire.
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It only took one person to get the ball rolling, but Christi Capps of West Burlington, Iowa saw her idea spread like wild fire.
In just one week, Christi, a passionate 27 year old woman and mother saw her idea grow to over 600 supporters who marched for the troops this past Saturday.
When she wasn't at work at Case, she was constantly watching the news and felt they had to show the troops that they supported them back home.
Regardless how you feel about the war, she feels anti-war protesters are "disrespectful to our troops."
"We are here to support our troops, our country, and the cause," she said.
Supporters, veterans, family members and friends of approximately fifty who are presently serving in the military were among those who gathered to say "God Bless America and God Bless the Troops who defend her freedoms"
The rally began at Burlington, Iowa's Crapo Park and followed with a march to the Port of Burlington building along the Mississippi water front.
The cold blustery morning, didn't stop the patriots from coming or from walking the long distance mostly downhill on Main Street, to the Port.
The Burlington Community Veterans Honor Guard gave a military salute at Crapo Park before the march began and a horse drawn wagon covered with flags offered many veterans a ride to the Port.
La Harpe, Blandinsville and Dallas City area residents had gathered to honor troops from their area, including classmates, and friends of the late Cpl. Evan James who died in the first week of the war crossing the Saddam Canal.
As classmates of the La Harpe graduating class of 2000 held a large banner in Memory of James, Juliana Collins, a classmate talked into a microphone as TV 8 captured her emotional tribute of their classmate.
"He was a wonderful person and a great friend," she said. "We're proud of you James and you'll always be in our hearts."
She thanked his parents Mike and Donna James for raising such a good man.
Though the event was emotional it was very upbeat as many shared their pride of their troops and country.
Roger Jackson of La Harpe who marched with his wife Marilyn carried a flag for their son Gary, serving in Iraq. "He left for Kuwait before the war and soon after the war started, March 27th, he left Kuwait and was headed for Baghdad." His parents, wife Shana and two daughters, do not know where Gary is since then. He is with the Army's 101st Airborne.
Roger said, a couple of protesters had booed driving by in a car, one calling them a "Nazi Fascists". "It really took me back," Roger said.
But that was two out of hundreds who were backing the supporters. One couple stopped and asked what was going on. When they found out, said "Good for them Marching for the Troops!"
A veteran of Vietnam, stood outside the port, remembering how it was in that era. "This is a different war," Donald Bunger said, of Burlington. "Freedom is not free!" The soldiers (in Iraq) know why they are there. He talked about the bravery of Jessica Lynch who was saved by the special operation specialists of the four forces. "It shows women can be in combat. She's a brave woman!"
The Walker Bros. Band played and sang some moving patriotic songs to end the rally.