I wanted to give all of you a report on our Saturday, 4/14/18 March on Albany event.
A group of us on LI gathered at Exit 61 park and ride for the bus to arrive. We were all full of excitement and ready to march. Then our bus arrived and blew a water hose. We were delayed for about an hour, but our driver, Sherman, Heather and Phil all worked together to get us back on the road. One would have thought that was a sign not to go…but that would have been a very big mistake.
Saturday approximately 50 patriots from Long Island met with other patriots from around the state in a parking lot in Albany. By the time the march had started we had over 600 to maybe 700 people marching with us. There were a few media hounds mulling around, but they were actually looking for real answers, not there to prove a point.
The march went from Grand Street lot along a nicely planned route. We took a route along South Pearl Street, then up State Street (ALL up hill) and then we marched four times around the Capital building. Below is a copy of the march route.
It was impressive to see the long line of patriots as they moved forward and around our capital. At the front of the line was the 2nd Amendment banner being carried by Fran. There were a ton of Gadsden, Blue Lives Matters, 2nd Amendment and of course the American flags flying high for all to see. There was NO misunderstanding who we were. The assortment of signs was was outstanding. As always our people know the issues and are very articulate.
We did encounter the Resistance, March for Science people were there. We marched around the West Capital Park where they were holding their event and continued on our way. A few people had to make some rude statements about Trump, Charleston Heston and that we were adding to pollution with our noise and hot air. They got so flustered that they gathered up their signs and ran across the street and walked in circles for a few minutes, then they gathered their belongings and went home. A few of the March for Science folks spoke to myself and others and said they were sorry for the nasty words said earlier. They felt it was not necessary and uncalled for. The saddest sight was one family that ran past us as if we were going to bite them. The mom, daughter and son were all wearing pink pussy hats. The little boy looked so darn sad!
The police were there and were smiling, nodding and saying thank you for what we were doing. We also had our own security detail who marched ahead along side and flanked the rear of the line, med tent and med techs walking with the marchers. There were no arrests, no violence, no property was damaged and no garbage left behind.
The most important thing that made me happy was the number of younger people AND the number of NEW faces. Yes we reached out to many folks on line, twitter, facebook, but these were NEW people. We had a lot more people between the ages of 25 and 40 than I have seen for a LONG time. And the new people want to get involved. They attended and said they want do do more than just hold up signs and flags. The rebirth of grassroots movement is at hand and we must do what ever we can to make it grow.
Videos:
Mert Melfa: https://vimeo.com/264808935
If you have access to facebook I posted a BOAT load of facebook live videos on my page. https://www.facebook.com/JudyPepNY
Media:
NY hit the news wires because of the 2nd Amendment banner.
Chicago: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-gun-rights-rallies-20180414-story.html
http://wnyt.com/news/gun-rights-advocates-to-rally-at-state-capitols-across-us/48:66093/?cat=10114
http://wnyt.com/news/gun-rights-advocates-to-rally-at-state-capitols-across-us/4866093/?cat=10114
Pictures:
I have a load of pictures on my page. Here are a few from Fox News. The first picture is the one that was all over the media throughout the Country.
Please go to my Facebook Page to see the photos
https://www.facebook.com/JudyPepNY
I have a lot more pictures and videos.
All in all it was a perfect day.
Judy
WE WILL NOT COMPLY
Judy Pepenella
Executive Board – Conservative Society for Action
New York State Coordinator – Tea Party Patriots
National Leadership Council Member
Cell: 631-987-4581
