WASHINGTON — He couldn’t believe the disrespect. He held an American flag high in his hand. He stood in the rain, bowing his head in dismay. He was angry. He was fed-up. He is a World War II veteran.
Hundreds of veterans and their families gathered at the World War II Memorial on Sunday in hopes of sending a clear message to the government.
“The American people are what make this country, and they need to realize that,” said John Cook, a former sergeant and World War II veteran. Somewhere along the way they [the government] have gotten completely off course.”
“All my uncles my brother, every one of them have all represented our military in some form or fashion. Luckily all my uncles have passed, so they don’t have to see this [government shutdown],” said Cook.
Gerry Davis, another World War II veteran said, “This rally means that veterans are speaking out because we are being denied access to the memorial. We are fed up, and this has got to stop.”
Davis, along with several other veterans dressed in U.S. Army uniforms in honor of those who fought.
Jennifer Kolinek, a mother and worried citizen, sat on the ground of the World War II Memorial holding a sign that read, “God bless our troops.” (RELATED: Cops deploy trucks, police horses at veterans’ protest)
“I am here for my children, my grandchildren because of the way America is going down its path right now, and the liberties that are being taken away from us,” said Kolinek.
She expressed her concerns of having her freedom and the veterans freedom taken away, and not being able to experience the memorials as they please.
“If we don’t stand up for America right now, in this time, I am afraid it might be to late to regain what our forefathers stood for and fought for,” said Kolinek.
