Early Bird Eagles Are On The Scene

10 AM: Skye, our eyes and ears on the ground at the Gathering of Eagles reports back that the early birds are already on the scene at the National Mall in Washington, DC.

The sun is shining but it's a cold day in Washington (weather channel page here) but that didn't stop Skye from getting out there to cover the first wave. Skye's report confirms that the Eagles have attracted very large numbers of patriotic Americans to the event venue in comparison to the anti-American-war crowd collecting a short distance away. No surprise that the professional protester class would be a bit late.

Among the early birds was this group, at right, from Rolling Thunder. They rode their motorcycles up from North Carolina to join the Patriot Guard Riders and show their respect to America's war memorials and the sacrifice, honor and duty they represent.

Skye reports that there are American flags everywhere, which is a sight to warm the heart, even on a cold day.

Our official event observer also notes that the media trucks assigned to cover this event are all parked in proximity to the anti-American-war demonstrators. Skye took this photo showing the Fox News truck with the banners for the communist group International ANSWER in the far background.

Blog Participants Check In

Part of our online effort today is to give those who cannot attend the ability to participate. We'll be taking your comments and forwarding them to Skye and others at the scene. Feel free to ask questions about what our folks on the ground are witnessing as well as suggest slogans to shout at the hippies.

Nanc, from It's Curtains for You, checked in this morning to remind readers that C Span has not committed to cover the Gathering of Eagles but has agreed to cover the anti-American-war crowd. Folks at home can help by calling C-Span and politely requesting they give equal time to both groups.

Main Number: (202) 737-3220FAX number 202-737-6226 (Assignment Desk)

Other early views from the scene are posted at Midnight Blue, as they will be throughout the day. To see full size photos, click on the individual images Skye posts. Unfortunately, editorial comment is difficult via cell phone postings, so stay tuned here for the full story.