Thanks to Julie Miller (Oneida County Chair) for the eyewitness account of Saturday's Rally in Washington, D. C.

The 912 March on Washington DC was the most phenomenal and probably most historic gathering of like-minded people in our nation’s capital. It was a peaceful but very passionate protest of the policies of the current administration and Congress. This was grassroots America at its finest. Everyone felt a deep connection with one another and freely spoke to each other as if they were family members gathering from around the country for a family reunion. This was Real American – not the liberal politician, state-run media version of America that they try to convince you that we are. This was the so-called “silent majority” – but silent no more! This was the representative voice of a majority of Americans, and as such does not qualify as a “fringe group,” as they are being labeled by the true fringe – the radical, left-wing.

The March began earlier than anticipated, probably because the streets just could not hold the sheer masses of people that were gathering near the starting point. We arrived at 9:57, and soon thereafter a colonial fife and drum group began the official step-off. People from all fifty states were walking shoulder-to-shoulder carrying signs and chanting phrases to voice their opposition to everything from government bailouts to government-run health care. We did not see any counter-protest groups along the way as anticipated, probably because they could not compete with a million-and-a-half people!

Early estimates were that there were 1.5 million in attendance. We heard another figure from the DC police of 1.6 million, and other reports of up to two million. We are insulted when we see news reports of “tens of thousands.” I have seen “tens of thousands” at a baseball game. The crowds I saw on Saturday could fill all the major league stadiums in the country! I have been in a crowd of hundreds of thousands before, and that is exactly what I witnessed. When we were finally gathered for the rally, I was positioned near the front of the crowd, about 12-15 people deep from the podium on the Capitol steps. When I turned to look at the crowd between the Capitol and the Washington monument, I would estimate about 500,000 were in that area. At one point during the rally an announcement was made for people to get off the mall because a permit was not issued for them to be able to gather on the mall. The most raucous chant of the day then erupted – “We own the mall! We own the mall!” Because of this restriction people were gathered on the side streets and I could not see them from my vantage point. But I do know that the city was basically closed down for hours because of this, so it would not surprise me if there were over a million people in attendance.

Every speaker had an inspiring message for the crowd. People stood for hours to listen to each message. The most moving sight for me was the variety of homemade signs throughout the crowd. It didn’t matter if they were artistically created banners or simply written statements on a small piece of paper. These messages ranged from anger to comedy, but all were a heart-felt gamut of emotional expressions that included rage, concern, and above all, patriotism and love of freedom. Crowd chants were frequently raised, and a favorite was “Vote them out! Vote them out!” while rhythmically pointing their fingers toward the capital building. It is going to be hard for Congress to ignore 1.5 million people pointing fingers at them and promising their demise if they are not heard. Another moving moment for me was the spontaneous singing of God Bless American or the National Anthems at different times during the day.

After the rally we had dinner at a restaurant that was filled with other event attendees, and everyone talked with each other across the restaurant as if we were all gathered for a family dinner. Next to us was a group from Florida, and on the other side of the room was a group from Texas. The Texans reported that 100,000 traveled from their state alone for the event, and the group we met were those from a chartered bus that made the 28-hour pilgrimage from Houston to Washington. People sacrificed and suffered to travel to the event, but no one complained because the cause was noble, just, and necessary. When asked about the hardships of the 28-hour bus trip, the Houston contingent said, “Freedom is not free.” Now that I think about it, this event had to be a great stimulus package for the travel and tourist industry! Before we left there were hugs all around and wishes for safe travel for our new family members.

I am still not fully recovered from the lack of sleep or the emotional whirlwind, so I would imagine there is much lacking from this report. Everyone can see the speeches on CSPAN or other outlets so there is no need to relay those. To get a true sense of the experience all I can say is, “You had to be there!” and urge everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to attend local and national tea parties, town halls, and other similar events. We know we are the majority and it is a critical time for us to stand up, to be counted, and to be heard. Our freedom depends on it.