Ramstein: Support Our Troops Rally Saturday!

Cindy Sheehan plans to visit Germany (see update below) this upcoming weekend to spread her message of retreat and defeat as she marches from a church in Landstuhl (a town where wounded American soldiers are treated) to a location outside Ramstein Airbase where she plans to set up another "Camp Casey."

But not everyone is planning to sit around and silently watch the German media fawn and drool over Ms. Sheehan and her entourage. Several groups are organizing a peaceful counter demonstration to support American and Coalition soldiers and victory in Iraq. Above all, regardless what Cindy does, this is about supporting those putting their lives on the line for our freedom in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. We strongly encourage all readers in Germany and surrounding areas to converge on Ramstein this Saturday to take part and SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! If you have an American flag, bring that along with your friends. Our website has already christened the demonstration site "Camp David." We will be contacting other bloggers throughout Germany and Europe to spread the word.

Here is the who, what, when, where, and why:

Time, location, organization: 12 NOON on Saturday, March 11, 2006: Outside Ramstein Airbase at the new ROUNDABOUT OUTSIDE the WEST GATE (aka CAMP DAVID) (See directions/map below)

Support-our-Troops organizer Stefan Prystawik just informed us the gathering has been given the "all clear" in writing by authorities. Stefan can be reached with questions at: [email protected]

Here is how Stefan describes the planned gathering: We will gather peacefully outside the West Gate from 12.00 noon to approximately 4pm (1600 hrs). Our meeting will be one of discussion, support for our troops and silent rejection of the Cindy group’s actions and motifs. Non-offensive banners, supporting our troops are welcome as are printouts of the fliers you have received, German and US flags (I heard that some will bring Iraqi flags, too – also fine). Please spread the word and forward any of our information to family and friends who might want to join us on Sat March 11. Please do also check my website with its daily updated links and information. There you can also see which official organization endorse and support our efforts. So again: we will not shout, rant or anything of that nature because of who we are and what we stand for. Also: follow the old scouting rule – leave the place better than you found it. In other words, we will rather take other people’s trash along and dispose of properly than littering the allocated area. Please feel free to email me: [email protected] See you all on Saturday! Stefan Prystawik.

HERE ARE DIRECTIONS. Check train connections here. Here's a map (via mapquest) with the gathering point circled in red (please note that we initially had the traffic circle just to the northwest circled before we were informed it was slightly off and made the adjustment):

The "Soldiers' Angels" website also has extensive information on the rally. We will continue to update this posting throughout the week as we receive new information. Above all (and especially if you blog) SPREAD THE WORD and plan to BE THERE!

Update: Here is our suggested sign:

Keep us bookmarked for continual updates on this Saturday's events.

Update: Looks like a NYC arrest and our plans have strongly dampened Cindy's enthusiasm for Europe and made her appearance doubtful. However, her people still plan to march, demonstrate and stir up trouble. So....

Our plans remain unchanged. We will gather at Ramstein to support our troops rain (snow) or shine. It is the very least we can do for them.

Update #2: Here is a report on the day's happenings. Mudville Gazette has an excellent posting with several pictures. And here are a few pictures: 1 - 2 - 3. Special thanks to those who braved the sub-freezing temperatures and German precipitation to get out there and support our troops. The organizers write:

"A BIG THANK YOU

to all who participated in today’s rally in Ramstein. We had a tremendous
response by the troops -  even a Vietnam Veteran came to see us and donated
drinks. Although the weather was cold and windy with an occasional shower, we
enjoyed showing support for our troups for more than five hours outside Ramstein
West Gate.

The latest word we got from officials regarding Cindy’s lone followers: a
turnout of 20. Well – that was supposed to be a mighty march from Landstuhl to Ramstein.

Stefan Prystawik."

When the professional protesters of the left can only get together a couple dozen people, that is always a good sign. Good work Stefan and MaryAnn.

Comments

[Erik S]

I wish I could make it with you guys, but ich kann nicht (even though I have a "letter" in the upcoming book, "Letters to Cindy Sheehan".

One detail would speak volumes, though: purple fingers for all participants.

[Mike H.]

What Erik said...!

[Pat Patterson]

According to Newsday Cindy Sheehan was arrested today(3/6/06) by the NYPD trying to get a petition delivered to the US Mission at the UN. Maybe she won't get bail and won't show up in Germany. Wishful thinking.

[WiredDragoon]

Pity that I'm writing my sociologie exams on Monday, I'd take part otherwise. :-(