Fort Collins Councilman Talks to Veterans

Darryl Worley’s song “Have You Forgotten?” blared from the corner of Colfax and

Broadway in downtown Denver where a crowd adorning red, white and blue

gathered to show support for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Though smaller in numbers in comparison to the anti-war groups that marched from the Capital steps, the second group was just as spirited.

Rona Wronker, of Evergreen, helped organize the effort because she felt like a contrasting voice needed to be heard.

“We want to send a message that we want to see the mission completed,” she said. “It’s crucial for our troops to know they are supported.”

Sharing in that sentiment, Fort Collins Councilman Diggs Brown was one of several speakers throughout the morning.

"There are things worth fighting for and dying for," Brown said.

Brown, a Major with the Green Beret with the Colorado Army National Guard, shared his experiences in Afghanistan and expressed his support and gratitude to other members of the military. He said his concern when he came home was that the public was not being told about the good things being done.

He talked about a helping rebuild the schools and seeing how much progress has been made. He talked about girls being able to go to school for the first time and putting new books and school supplies in the students’ hands.

“This is nothing new,” he said. “My father rebuilt a school during World War II...This is something American Troops do.”

Prior to his speech, Brown spent half an hour walking around the Capital and Civic Center Park.

“You get a flavor of the ambiance,” he said. “It’s interesting to see the different view points of the world.”

He took note of some of the more vulgar protest signs, but pointed out the beauty of having freedom of speech.

“When you think of the whole thing, the fact that this country does have the right to speak its mind is because of veterans.

“I support politicians who let the military do its job,” Brown said. “When we commit troops to war, we don’t go for second place... I am here to speak for the veterans who have served and those serving.”

Brown was asked to be a part of the rally through his involvement with Vets For Freedom, a nonpartisan organization established by combat veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The group joined several other grassroots organizations including Families United for Our Troops and Their Mission.

Other speakers included Debbie Lee, mother of Marc Allan Lee, a Navy Seal killed in Iraq. She said she is so proud of her son and the sacrifice he made.

“He was a young man who valued other people’s lives more than his own,” she said.

Dale and Debbie Parrish, of La Salle, made the trek to Denver to participate in the rally. Their son is in the Marines and has served two terms in Iraq. Debbie said she is motivated to be active because of her son.

“We’re not showing any political agenda,” Dale said. “It’s just about the troops and their mission.”

That’s why Mike Jones, who gained media attention through Pastor Ted Haggard’s spiral into infamy following revelations that he had sexual relations with Jones came to the rally. Wearing a white undershirt with Gay American written in black marker, Jones said he wanted to show his patriotism.

“The whole world knows I’m gay, but I’m an American first,” he said. “If we don’t fight to protect our boarders from terrorists, what’s the use of me fighting for gay rights?”

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Ten-year-old Jayhawk Shriver of Greeley holds a sign to show his patriotism and support for U.S. Troops. Shriver came to Denver with his mom, Echoe Shriver, who said they come from a large military family.

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Diggs Brown hugs Tricia Miller, an Air Force veteran from Evergreen, Sunday morning in Denver.