Adventures With Ann - Part One - RomneyRyan Rally

 

 

2012 has been a bonus year for me.  My friend Ann and I have been out together more this year than in past years.  I am fortunate that we are both making that concerted effort to see more of each other. We always have a good time!

 

Just this past week, we were able to share two days, back to back.

 

 

I-64 traffic backing up (in distance)

 

 

First, we attended a RomneyRyan Rally at a venue just about 30 minutes north of me.  Of course, the evening started with dinner at a new-to-us restaurant.  After all, you cannot attend a rally on an empty stomach.  As we were getting close to the rally site, the traffic was lining in all directions.  At one point, the motorcade passed us - about 15 motorcycled officers passed complete with flashing blue lights, several white vans, two black vans with tinted windows, followed up with more security.  Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan had arrived.  Within one mile, we were greeted by the distant view of a huge American flag waving in the breeze; the symbol we can all support.  Once at the rally, we met up with two friends.  Susan and her husband, Mark, had American flags and RomneyRyan signs for us to wave.  We were set.

Mark and Susan with Ann

 

The rally was full of energy and excitement.  A huge screen flanking the stage continuously flipped scenes of Mitt Romney while we waited for the ‘show’ to begin.  Later, this screen displayed the live presentations.  I could view the stage clearly, so I rarely watched the screen.   Though crowded, I could walk about unimpeded; And, I did. There was no pushing, no shoving; just a considerate group of Americans.

 

Standing near the press riser, I was able to get a photo of Carl Cameron, who follows the campaign trail for Fox News, putting on his make-up.  He wielded his powder puff with ease.

 

The introductory speakers included many Virginia state politicians including Representative Bob Goodlatte, state representative Ben Cline, Susan Allen on behalf of her husband George Allen who is running for state Senate, and Virginia’s Lt. Governor, Bill Bolling.

U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte

Virginia State Representative Ben Cline

Susan Allen

  Then,  NRA’s Executive Vice President, Wayne LaPierre took to the stage to remind the crowd, though unnecessary, about our Second Amendment right.

 

Next, a mini concert featuring country music star, Trace Adkins, a vocal supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project, raised the crowd’s enthusiasm to a higher level.

 

 

Paul Ryan took to the stage first for a few comments before being joined by Mitt Romney.  The crowd gave them their full support.  Since this rally was held the very next day after the first televised 2012 Presidential Debate, I admittedly concentrated on getting a few good photos rather than on the speeches.  Every sentence was followed by hoots, whistles, yells and the lifting and waving of lots of RomneyRyan signs.  Clear photos were a challenge.

 

A brief burst of fireworks ended the festivities. 

 

The short walk to the car among the thousands of attendees, and long wait in the bumper to bumper exiting traffic continued the exhilaration of the rally.

 

I certainly recommend a dose of ‘hands on’ politics to everyone; be engaged in your country and in your rights.

 

Back at home, Ann stayed and talked with Glenn and myself until after midnight before starting her 30+ minute drive home.  Ann was due back the next morning at 10:00 AM to pick me up for our next adventure…

 

To be continued….