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'Silent majority' speak at rally
By Drew Sandholm
Published:
Monday, March 24, 2003
ST. PAUL -- Under a warm spring sun, thousands rallied Saturday on the vast grounds of the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. Those in the massive entourage carried signs and shouted chants in support of U.S. troops and the current military action in Iraq.
People came from all over the area to voice their opinion.
"I came here today because I love this great country," said first year SCSU electrical engineering major Josh Hartigan. "A silent majority finally broke their silence today. I just wanted to be a part of that."
Law enforcement officials estimated that 18,000 to 20,000 people covered the crowded capitol lawn for the troop support demonstration. The diverse crowd seemed to draw people from all walks of life, including many college students.
"There has been a lot of anti-war movements on campus (University of Minnesota-Twin Cities) and I don't think that they show what all of the students think," said third year University of Minnesota-Twin Cities political science and economics major Andrea Aldrich. "There are a lot of us (students) that support this (war). Today we're showing people that not all students oppose the war."
In the past few days, many demonstrations have taken place. Most vocal has been the anti-war movement, especially in the March 5, "Books Not Bombs" student walkout against war. Even as most activist movements illustrate a strong anti-war viewpoint, national polls show that most Americans support military action on Iraq.
Saturday's rally included an array of speakers, including Gov. Tim Pawlenty and U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman. All Minnesota Congressmen and both Senators were invited to attend; those who did not make it sent letters of support. Although only Republican politicians attended, the event was nonpartisan and not affiliated with any special interest or lobbying groups.
The event was organized by retired Army Lt. Col. Joe Repya, a resident of Egan. Repya is responsible for initiating the increasingly visible "Liberate Iraq, Support Our Troops" lawn signs. Starting by printing only 250 signs, he has now distributed 17,000 in Minnesota alone. After such a warm response from his sign distribution, Repya organized Saturday's rally to counter the growing anti-war movement and to show support for U.S. troops. With such large numbers of individuals in attendance, he considers the event a success.
"There were a lot of Minnesotans showing their support today," Repya said. "It was just great."
The two hour rally began with a speech from Minnetonka resident and Muslim Community Alliance member Ruby Zigrino. She drew great applause from the huge crowd after calling Iraqi President Saddam Hussein a "tyrant."
"I do believe our efforts to oust this evil dictator is right," Zigrino said. "Ousting a tyrant regime, ousting an oppressive regime is a mission I believe my religion, my country has asked me to do."
At this, the crowd began simultaneously chanting "U-S-A." However, that mood quickly changed when Zigrino questioned some of the U.S. government's past actions, calling a number of past U.S. foreign policy decisions "failures," the crowd booed Zigrino.
Repya stepped in to call attention to the indignant audience, who then allowed Zigrino to finish.
As the keynote speaker, Pawlenty urged Minnesotans to rally behind the military and show appreciation of their service to America.
Later, Pawlenty told University Chronicle that he felt confident that the rally would have a great impact on the state. He stressed the importance of participation in such events by Minnesotan residents, especially college students.
"I think it is important that all Minnesotans, including college people, support our troops," Pawlenty said. "You can agree or disagree with the decision, but that decision has been made."
Sen. Coleman spoke with a similar message. He stated that the efforts of the military must not be overlooked and that the war on Iraq is imperative for freedom. Coleman also said that the large numbers of people in attendance to the rally will boost the morale of soldiers aboard.
"When the troops begin to see that there are significant numbers of people back at home that do support them, that will have a great impact," said University of Minnesota-Twin Cities senior Chuck Ylitalo. "These numbers will foster some pride in America and among the community in general."
An array of other speakers took to the podium upon the capitol steps. In between speeches, the crowd sang different patriotic songs including "God Bless America" and "America the Beautiful." The crowd united in singing and participated by saying the Pledge of Allegiance as led by Debra Repya, the wife of Joe Repya. In reciting the "Pledge," the crowd waved their flags and enunciated the word "God."
Waving a menagerie of flags, the crowd held high the colors of America, Mexico, Britain, Iraq and different bands of Native Americans, including the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa.
Many audience members held signs that read, "Prevent Terrorism, Bomb Hussein," "God Bless Our Troops" and "Increase Peace, Eliminate Terror."
