Fighting for their America

POST FALLS — Anne Lake and friends led the cry at Stateline Speedway.

“FREEDOM!”

They shouted it again.

“FREEDOM!”

The Texas woman holding an American flag joined the People’s Convoy two months ago. She said they were in North Idaho for Wednesday evening’s rally because of government overreach.

“We want America back. We love our country. We love our people. We want them to know what they’re losing, they're losing their freedoms," she said.

About 700 people attended the rally of The People’s Convoy led by truckers that left Thursday morning bound for Washington, D.C.

It was in Hagerstown, Md., in March and traveled to D.C. often over three weeks to protest COVID-19 mandates and vaccines.

Many waved flags and wore patriotic shirts, hats and pants. At one point, horns from the trucks parked before the stands blasted, and the crowd cheered wildly.

Speakers praised and thanked God, which led many to raise their hands high and shout Amen.

The Panhandle Patriot Rivers Club was there, as were families, teens and seniors, some wearing Trump hats.

There was talk of a rigged 2020 presidential election, that children were being targeted by a transgender agenda and people of faith being under attack.

Del Hungerford of Oldtown beat her drum with gusto as speakers made key points. She joined the convoy in Olympia, Wash., on Saturday, which then headed to North Idaho.

She believes it is “bringing a unity that we have not seen in a long time here.

“It’s not about the left or right, but about people with varying beliefs being able to come together, disagree, and still love one another,” Hungerford said. “That's what it's about. And we're losing it. That’s why I wanted to be part of this.”

She’ll stick with the convoy until May 20, when it's time to go back to work.

Hungerford called for America to unite.

“Who gives a rip whether you're a Republican or a Democrat? Stop fighting over politics,” she said.

Dennis Davies from Helena, Mont., said he’s hauled his red, white and blue trailer more than 9,000 miles with the convoy.

“It’s beautiful to see that, sir,” a woman said to him.

Davis, a veteran, said it’s that kind of response, meeting people, that has been the highlight. He’s gone from Hagerstown to Florida, to Montana and Idaho and been harassed at times along the way.

People, he said, have let him know they are unhappy and want to know the truth.

He urged people to get involved.

“If you just sit at home and don't do anything, nothing's gonna change,” he said.

Pastor John Padula hosted the rally.

“I want to remind everybody as much as we talked about a fight for our nation, we also have to remember this is a fight for the soul of America and the soul of every individual here,” he said.

Mike Marquardt, owner of Patriot Hangout, a new store in Sunset Village, said he’s been banned from Facebook for his conservative views.

”Just share the truth and you get censored,” he said.

One speaker, trucker Gerald Johnson, is known as “Trucker G.” he said the sacrifices to be part of the convoy are worth it.

“I want my children to have a better life. I want your children, your grandchildren, to have a better life,” he said. “Somebody fought and died and shed blood and gave the ultimate sacrifice for us, and they're taking it away. Ponder on it. Are we gonna stand? Are we gonna lay down and roll over? We have two choices in life.”

David Riddell, a convoy leader who goes by Santa, vowed to fight on.

“If standing up for your rights and my rights causes me to lose everything I've worked for my entire life, then I will die a pauper so that we may be free," he said.

Lake said she has traveled through many states with the convoy, has seen eggs and paint thrown at it, but not in Idaho. She loved Idaho.

“I've met the most wonderful people that have served us. They're out every day cooking food, they've donated so much stuff,” she said.

Lake likes most of what she has seen and heard during her travels.

“People are getting loud. They want their freedom back,” she said.

“Liberty” Lauren Holly of West Virginia held a sign high that read, “Free Hugs" during the rally.

Many took her up on it.

“Everyone needs a hug,” she said.

Holly joined the convoy in Hagerstown. She said her journey across America has been marked by pleasant surprises.

“Lots of love in some places where we thought we weren't gonna see that,” she said.

Asked what keeps her with the convoy, she said it was simple.

“I love freedom.”