Group Is Set to Face Protesters

Veterans Say They Must Speak Up for Troops Serving in Iraq

A group of veterans supporting the war in Iraq announced plans yesterday to go head-to-head with war protesters during rallies set for Saturday.

Holding signs with slogans including "Give Victory a Chance" and "The Surge Is Working," about two dozen men and women said they were once again adding their voices to the national debate to show troops still in battle that they haven't been forgotten.

The group, known as Gathering of Eagles, was founded in March and came to Washington soon after that to make its views known during a weekend of war protests. Members lined the route of an antiwar march in a show of support for the Bush administration and the military action in Iraq.

"A prime motivator was to not allow this generation of America's servicemen and -women to be betrayed on the battlefield and at home as happened during and after the Vietnam War," said Kristinn Taylor, the group's spokesman.

Gathering of Eagles is assembling again Saturday, this time in response to another round of antiwar rallies. The ANSWER Coalition and other groups are sponsoring a demonstration that is to include a march to the Capitol.

The antiwar crowd plans to begin its march about noon Saturday from the north side of Lafayette Square, near the White House. Organizers say they are planning to stage a "die-in" later in the afternoon, with thousands facing arrest at the Capitol.

Gathering of Eagles plans to rally at 9:30 a.m. on the Mall at Seventh Street NW. Later, the group plans to line Pennsylvania Avenue NW between Seventh and 10th streets in a counter-protest.

Both sides say their ultimate goal is a better America.

"We believe in the troops," said Larry Bailey, a retired U.S. Navy captain and national chairman of the Gathering of Eagles, saying they deserve support regardless of whether the nation should have gone to war. "These people are dead serious. We have to see the job through. There is no substitute for victory."

Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.), who joined Gathering of Eagles in announcing its plans, said there is little doubt -- no matter what polls or protesters say -- that going to war was the right choice.

"Iraq is part of the real war for freedom," he said. "Once America has won in Iraq, it will bear fruit in Iran. We can, we must and we will win."

Chris Hill, an Army veteran, said every generation of his family has served in the armed forces since 1845. He said those who challenge the war are ungrateful and disrespectful. "Anyone who would disparage any one of my guys -- and they're all my guys -- I'll be across the street from you," he said, setting the stage for Saturday's rallies.