'I Fought So That You Can Protest'

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'I Fought So That You Can Protest' -- 03/19/2007

By Fred Lucas
CNSNews.com Staff Writer
March 19, 2007

(CNSNews.com) - As anti-war protesters waved signs on Saturday blaming the United States for the 9/11 attacks and holding American flags upside down, an Iraq war veteran held a sign that said, "I fought in Iraq so you can protest."

Anti-war demonstrators weren't the only ones promoting their views in the nation's capital this weekend. Thousands of others also gathered, in a sea of American flags, braving the cold -- not to demand the U.S. leave Iraq, but to support the mission.

The Gathering of Eagles converged in the Mall to protect America's national monuments.

Addressing the crowd, Angela Lashley, whose son is in Iraq, proclaimed that she represented the majority of mothers.

"I represent the unheard majority," Lashley said, "the moms who are non-activists, the moms who are home packing boxes for their sons."

The mixed crowd included men wearing motorcycle jackets, veterans of several past wars, women bundled up in long coats and teens waving flags and signs that said "Peace Through Strength," "We Support the Troops," and "War There or War Here."

Many in the Gathering of Eagles crowd were disabled vets, some wearing their uniforms.

According to the Gathering of Eagles, people came from all over the country, and as far away as Hawaii, to participate in the counter protest.

At one point, when the Gathering of Eagles lined Arlington Cemetery, a passing anti-war protester shouted, "You are in the minority."

Some in the anti-war group chanted at the veterans, "You should be ashamed. You should be ashamed."

One veteran wearing a biker jacket, who would only give his name as Deuce, came to the protest from Maryland.

"It's sort of a counter-protest," he said. "No one is out of line. It's been peaceful on their side. I understand their point about bringing the troops home. We're just here to make sure the memorials are not defaced."