My counters gave up at 2,800. The Collier County Sheriff’s department thought 3,000.
It greatly exceedly my expectations, Praise God. Considering 90 degree heat, 90 degree humidity and full sunshine our turn out was extraordinary. Our Bishop, Frank Dewane spoke and was very inspiring. The Knights of Columbus Color Guard, from my parish, St Agnes was on hand to post the Colors.
Christian recording artist, Robin Noel sang the National Anthem as well as a number of songs off her CD, Let Freedom Ring. A good friend from First Baptist Church of Naples opened us in prayer. It was truly an inter-faith event. We had extensive news coverage so I expect will see coverage this evening. [Continue reading …]
Dr. Hans Geisler relates how his parents fled Nazi Germany to be able to practice medicine according to their consciences.
The Nationwide “Stand Up for Religious Freedom” rallies were already hedged in a certain amount of historical perspective. The date June 8 was selected in part because it coincided with the anniversary of the introduction of our Bill of Rights in 1789. The Rallies occurred just one week after the movie “For Greater Glory” brought the story of Mexico’s fight for religious freedom to theaters across the country.
But few were able to capture the historic significance of the HHS Mandate like Dr. Hans Geisler, one of 7 speakers to address Indianapolis’ Stand Up For Religious Freedom Rally.
In front of a sun-baked crowd of approximately 800, Dr. Geisler told the story of his parents, both physicians — his father was Jewish, his mother was Catholic — who fled Nazi Germany in the 1930’s in order to practice medicine in accord with their consciences. Dr. Geisler explained that the mandate from the HHS was “eerily similar” to how the Nazis initially took over the practice of medicine in Germany. [Continue reading …]
Posted by Norma Contois (June 11, 2012 at 7:25 pm)
Note: This entry, posted by Rally Captain Norma Contois, was written by activist David Dowd.
The New Haven Rally for Religious Freedom took place on New Haven Green at noon on June 8th as Rallies were taking place at 160 sites across the country. June 8 is the 223rd anniversary of the day our Founding Father James Madison introduced the Bill of Rights, Some 500 + folks gathered on the Green on a sunsplashed day. The speaker’s platform was surrounded by trees as the large crowd formed a semi circle around the speakers.
Speaking from the platform, Peter Wolfgang, Executive Director of the Family Institue of Connecticut exuded great energy in introducing the speakers. Described by one woman in attendance as a very outgoing and pumped up speaker, Mr. Wolfgang’s manner won the approval of the audience time and time again as he introduced each speaker and placed the speaker’s points in reference to the theme of Religious Freedom. [Continue reading …]
Posted by Steve Gendregske (June 11, 2012 at 6:56 pm)
We had at least 1,200 people in attendance. The Weather could not have been better. The speakers were outstanding.
I noticed one person walk away cursing, and later that day he called to apologize. A friend said someone walking through the area shoved her from behind.
Many of the comments posted on ANNARBOR.com after the news article of our event were blocked because of inappropriate content. One commenter said “where is Nero when you need him” [Continue reading …]
Posted by Rosie Aguilar (June 11, 2012 at 5:21 pm)
The Count was 210, we had a great turn out, everything came out according to plan, you may click on the below tags to see some pictures taken from the blog of Dr. Casillas our media liaison. The Agenda was prepared by Letty Escobar (master of ceremonies):
AGENDA “STAND UP FOR RELIGIOUS FREDOOM” JUNE 8, 2012 RALLY, DEL RIO TEXAS
Despite forecasts of rain, the weather was overcast but dry for our rally, and not nearly as hot as a sunny day would have been. The crowd of 350 was very enthusiastic! News coverage was better than for the March rally, and this time we have videos of all the speakers.
With at least 675 in attendance, Columbus Ohio saw more than a 50% increase in participation at our second Stand Up for Religious Freedom rally. Waving American flags, beginning with prayer and the National Anthem, rally participants gathered to hear speakers representing Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Evangelical, and Jewish faithful to educate and inspire them to stand strong in the defense of our religious liberties.
Alicia Healy gave an impassioned speech about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, reminding us that “We are fighting for our God-given rights and liberties under our constitution which grants limited and enumerated powers to the federal government. No power has been granted over health care, reproduction, or any such thing. As Jefferson said, ‘We must bind him [the government] down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.’”
In the Valley of the Sun, a thousand people, under branches of trees, holding umbrellas or standing under pop-up tents for relief from the hot sun, in 103 degrees stood up for Religious Liberty. Music was led by Doug Slater, Julie and Kurt Carrick. The rally was a huge success!!!
Ann SwazieK – Rally Capt. (Reasons for protest)
Our MC John Jakubczyk
Introduction of Declaration of Independence & First Amendment
Lt. Col Wendy Rogers – Small Business Owner & Candidate for US Congress
It was an exciting day at the Missouri Capitol! Bishop John Gaydos led the rally of 374 supporters of religious freedom with prayer and a strong message encouraging our activism, stating, “Religious freedom is not merely about our ability to attend church on Sunday. It is impossible to exercise that religious freedom and at the same time compromise the faith that inspires us to action.”
It was a beautiful Missouri day with participants wearing red as they listened to 8 compelling speakers spread truth to concerned Missouri residents on the capitol lawn. Mike Hoey, Executive Director of the Missouri Catholic Conference, emceed the event with 40 Days for Life -Columbia as the coordinators.
We thank Senator Mike Kehoe for attending, as well as all who were involved in the rally and especially to the crowd in RED! It is clear to see that we will not go down without a fight!
Posted by Teresa Drollman (June 11, 2012 at 2:36 pm)
Two hundred inspired and passionate protestors turned out for the Rally in Wenatchee, WA (pop. 30,000), despite threatening thunderstorms.
Our amazing speakers included Dr. Mitch Garrison, Natalie Merrill, Karlo Broussard, Shiloh Schauer, and State Representative Cary Condotta, each offering a unique viewpoint and the fire of their conviction and commitment.
Pastor Bob Shepard prayed our invocation, and Pastor Pat McElroy offered a closing prayer. Patriotic music and hymns were led by the John Black Singers. [Continue reading …]