Stop the Lies!

Over 100 strong, we marched and rode up to the entrance to our VA. The rain did not deter us. We chanted, ""Keep the promise and stop the lies!" We were united in our cause to save our VA., veterans, spouses and ordinary residents of Hot Springs. We carried signs as we marched up to the entrance.


We were instructed that we could not cross onto VA grounds during our rally. We stopped at the entrance to listen to speeches and chant some more. The TV cameras from Rapid City were there, covering our anger, frustration and sadness over the broken promises and lies to our veterans.


We had tried for several years to gain national media for our cause. We did manage a national story in the American Legion magazine, but most media did not think our cause carried enough notoriety for their attention. On the other hand I did receive a phone call from a reporter from the Associated Press. If he covers us we will get national media. He had read my book about our battle, Reveille in Hot Springs: The Battle to Save Our VA, and wanted some connections to veterans who had stories in the book. Unfortunately he did not show up for our rally, but he did contact the Save Our VA committee and may still give us some coverage.


I had nothing to lose, being an older, retired woman and a non-veteran, so I crossed the line. I walked until a VA police car stopped me and told me to retreat. "But I want you to arrest me," I told her. "I will not arrest you", she insisted and escorted me back to the line off of VA property.


I really wanted to get some national media. After she left I walked back onto VA property and continued to walk. Veterans followed behind. They realized they, too, would not be arrested. If they were jailed they had more to lose than I. They used the VA for their medical care. But signs held high, they walked with me up to the headquarters at the front entrance of the Dom. We were united in our cause to support all veterans. I could feel the bond among us.


We did get great local coverage. If you have facebook you can check it out. We can also go to www.theveteranstown.com and click on the facebook for powerful photos.


So far we have not received national press. What we did get was a feeling of pride - pride for our veterans, for our town and for ourselves. We stood together, and those of you who remember the sixties will remember, "We shall overcome."


Our battle continues. Stay tuned!