Supporting America's Troops

Move America Forward is launching a national caravan leaving from San Francisco, California on Thursday, March 8, 2007 and proceeding along interstate highways across the southern United States ultimately arriving in Washington, D.C. where they will join "The Gathering of Eagles" for a giant pro-troop rally on Saturday March 17, 2007.

Move Forward America supports our government's efforts to win the war on terror which includes the present campaign in Iraq as well as Afghanistan and throughout the world as the United States and our allies attempt to curtail the activities of those that seek to destroy democratic institutions across the globe.

Their efforts are aimed at honoring the service of our volunteers in the uniformed services that are carrying on the campaign against terrorism so that we in the homeland can enjoy the fruits of freedom and democracy.

On that same day, anti-war groups are also planning a march to the Pentagon on a protest route that will take them past the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and culminate in calls for immediate withdrawal of our troops from Iraq.

The "Gathering of Eagles" has a lengthy mission statement that seeks to define their goals and beliefs. Among those statements are the following. (The complete statement is available on their web-site)

A. We are wholly and forever committed to our brothers and sisters in uniform. As veterans, we understand their incredible and noble sacrifices, made of their own accord for a nation they love more than life itself. As family members, we stand by them, and as Americans, we thank God for them.

B. We believe that our freedom of speech is one of the greatest things our country espouses, and we absolutely hold that any American citizen has the right to express his or her approval or disapproval with any policy, law, or action of our nation and her government in a peaceful manner as afforded by the laws of our land, however, we are adamantly opposed to the use of violence, vandalism, physical or verbal assaults on our veterans, and the destruction or desecration of our memorials.

C. We vehemently oppose the notion that it is possible to "support the troops but not the war." We are opposed to those groups who would claim support for the troops yet engage in behavior that is demeaning and abusive to the men and women who wear our nation's uniform.

D. We believe in freedom at all costs, including our own lives. We served to protect the freedoms Americans enjoy, and we agree with Thomas Jefferson's assertion that "From time to time, the tree of liberty must be watered with the blood of patriots and tyrants."

E. We will accept nothing less than total, unqualified victory in the current conflict. Surrender is not an option, nor is defeat.

This promises to be an exciting day as the feelings of many Americans can be visibly demonstrated to our elected officials. It is a time for those that espouse support for the 1% of Americans that have taken up the fight against terrorism on our behalf, to stand up and make a declaration that they really do support the troops. Our troops will be comforted by seeing that they are truly being supported. The "war on terror" is in many instances a war of wills and solidarity on the part of the American people will be a victory in this fight. A demonstration of support for our objectives in Iraq and elsewhere will serve to demoralize the enemy. Hope to see you there.