Rally for US soldiers draws hundreds to state capital

Members of the IU College Republicans marched alongside a thousand other Hoosiers on Monument Circle in Indianapolis Saturday to support U.S. armed forces and President Bush.\nThe rally, though not in direct response to the numerous anti-war protests lately, was sparked by a decrease in soldiers' spirits.\nRobert Greene, president of the IUPUI College Republicans, organized the rally that began at noon and lasted about an hour in cold temperatures and freezing rain. \nAbout 20 to 30 College Republicans around the state made the trip to Indianapolis, including Angel Rivera, president of the IU chapter. Rivera, who works closely with Greene, said he was very impressed at the number of Hoosiers who marched in the cold.\n"There were all kinds of people there," he said. "A lot of parents brought young children. There were a lot of veterans and senior citizens too."\nRivera said the mood was somber but happy at the same time. \n"We don't want our American soldiers in a war," Rivera said. "But if our president deems it necessary to go to war because of national security issues, then don't blame it on the soldiers."\nRivera also said the crowd sang "God Bless America" and chanted "USA" any chance they got.\n"I was very happy to see the supporters," he said. "It was soothing to know that other people feel the same way."\nCamille Baldwin, Political Director for the IU College Republicans, also enjoyed the feeling at the rally. \n"It was so nice to see some positive support rather than negative," Baldwin said.\nShe said the event should not be characterized as a pro-war rally, but as an expression for support of the president and U.S. troops.\n"I went to the rally because I am in support of the Bush administration and their actions," Baldwin said. "I also wanted to support the CR's."\nBaldwin said she was moved when Greene recited a soldier's letter about his low spirits due to extensive media coverage of the anti-war sentiment.\nCollege Republican member Doug La Fave also recalls this story.\n"We did this to let the soldiers know that other Americans support them," La Fave said.\nLa Fave said their message shows another side to the anti-war story.\nHe said it was really cool that the weather was so cold because a speaker gave the important message that "we aren't sunshine patriots." \n"We show up in all weather," La Fave said.