NEWS
Local “Hands Off” Rally Draws More Than 1,100
Just a few of the signs seen at the rally on Saturday. (Caitlyn Ulm photo)
On Saturday April 5, at 11:30 a.m., participants in the Hands Off rally gathered at the Cornelius Veterans Monument. Following brief remarks, attendees proceeded to walk peacefully along Catawba Avenue to Smithville Park and back to the Cornelius Police Station and the veterans monument.
The group that organized the event, Indivisible Lake Norman, emphasized that people should move without aggression and remain positive. The following statement was featured in a press release issued several days in advance of the event:
“This protest is a peaceful demonstration, exercising our First Amendment rights. We are committed to nonviolent action and de-escalation of any confrontation. Solidarity and respect for everyone—no matter their views—are at the heart of our cause.”
There were some passersby who expressed opposite views, and they were peaceful, as well. Cornelius Police provided some support to ensure pedestrian safety during the march, but there was no evidence of any incidents or altercations.
Davidson resident and Navy Captain (Retired), Jane Campbell, provided “A Veteran’s Perspective” as part of those initial remarks at the veterans monument. Campbell, who spent time at the Pentagon and White House during her 26-year career, pointed out that she never contemplated with what political party the President was affiliated. She had sworn an oath to the Constitution of the United States, and her service spanned Republican and Democratic administrations.
Local residents might also be interested in the fact that Campbell started her remarks by talking about the late Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump, U.S. Army (Retired). Crump, a Medal of Honor recipient, who is the subject of the sculpture in the Cornelius Veterans Monument. For the full text of Campbell’s prepared remarks, click here.
Another local resident, Caitlyn Ulm, shared her photographs of the event with News of Davidson. You can see her photos here.
Campbell and Lyn Batty, News of Davidson editors, also took photographs of the day. They can be seen here.