Deepa BharathThe rhythmic, patriotic chant of “USA...

Deepa Bharath

The rhythmic, patriotic chant of “USA ... USA ... USA ... “ echoed

across the intersection of MacArthur Boulevard and Campus Drive

Saturday evening as close to 100 people participated in a

demonstration and candlelight march in support of U.S. troops in

Iraq.

The Stand Up for Freedom March was organized by Newport Beach

resident Jane Altman-Dwan who said this is the first time she has

ever publicly taken a political stand.

“I was tired of seeing all these anti-war rallies,” she said.

“It’s like telling our troops they should be ashamed for what they’re

doing. It just breaks my heart to see that.”

It turned out that Altman-Dwan was not alone in her sentiment.

People from all over Orange County and neighboring areas showed up

with signs, flags, candles and patriotic fervor to show their support

for American soldiers.

Several people driving by the intersection honked in support, but

there were a few who yelled out in opposition. One man rolled down

his window and shouted out: “Make love not war!”

Another man triggered a current of emotion as he held out a “No

War” sign and drove around the group. He lowered his window and

lingered around shouting anti-war slogans as the emotionally charged

group yelled out their pro-war and pro-Bush slogans, tapping at his

car with the flags they held.

People who gathered for the march said they wanted to show support

for the President and thousands of Marines who have been shipped

overseas recently. They held signs like “Proud Americans -- the

silent majority,” “Freedom is not free,” and “Support our troops.”

Michelle Daniels said her fiance left for the Persian Gulf a month

ago.

“I’m here to support what he and others are doing for our

country,” she said.

Mark and Louise Archambeault’s 21-year-old son, Joshua, is

stationed aboard a ship in the Arabian Sea.

“I don’t even write to him about all the protests and anti-war

stuff,” she said while holding a framed picture of her son. “I’m

ashamed to even talk about it.”

Sara Bellinger drove up from San Diego for the march.

“My boyfriend is a Marine,” she said. “I’ve gotten one e-mail from

him and he says it’s hard being there and seeing that people don’t

support them.”

Bellinger was taking photos of the march and signs to mail to her

boyfriend.

“I want him to see and to know not everyone is against (the

possible war),” she said.