The other volunteer and myself were out by the entrance with our signs.
People driving-by "honked" their horns, and gave us a "thumbs-up" to bringan end to this war in Iraq. Most of the guests of Congressman McCotter(about 90% of them) gave us a "thumbs-up" as they drove into the parking lot.
About one hour into our quiet "demonstration", a vehicle pulled into the parking lot, and out stepped two young servicemen.
Both of these young servicemen were from different branches of the U.S. Military.
I noticed that they immediately started to walk over to us. I was not planning for any type of confrontation with them. As they approached us, I simply said "hey guys, how are you two doing this evening?".
They came closer, and said that they were driving-by and noticed us standing out in front with our signs.
One of these young servicemen stated to us "we just wanted to stop and say THANK YOU for what you're doing for us". This led to a very pleasant conversation between the servicemen, myself, and the other volunteer. After spending some time with these two young servicemen, someone from McCotter's party came out and "informed" the servicemen that "you know, you two young men could get into some very serious trouble if a recruiter were to drive by and see you out here with these protesters!"
I immediately "informed" this gentleman that these two servicemen were simply having a very nice conversation with us and we would NEVER ask someone from the U.S. Military to jeporadize their self by holding one of our signs. I went on to "inform" this person that this was a PRIVATE conversation we were having with these two young men from OUR military!
The two servicemen shared with us that they too were NOT in favor of the President's position in regards to the War in Iraq!
The person who came out from the "Birthday Party" asked the servicemen if they would like to meet and speak with Congressaman McCotter. The servicemen simply stated "NO thank you sir, we have NOTHING to say to the Congressman!".
With that said, that gentleman walked-off.
We exchanged our hopes for a speedy resolve to this War in Iraq and the other volunteer and myself told these servicemen that we would keep them in our prayers.
We learned that one of these young servicemen was just out of boot-camp from the U.S. Marines, and the other had already served one year in the U.S. Army; who had gotten word that he would be deployed to Iraq come November of 2007.
Both of these servicemen could be no older than 24 years of age at the very least.
I have to be very honest in saying that I found myself to have a very large lump in the throat while speaking with these two young servicemen.
Upon parting, we shook hands, and exchanged a "God Bless You".
I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers along with the thousands of other U.S. Troops who have, and are now serving in the U.S. Military.
I wish that Congressman McCotter would have been man enough to come and talk with us and those two young servicemen.
