Student Rally For Patriotism Draws Few

About 50 people gathered yesterday in front of University Hall to “Rally for Patriotism and American Unity”—a sharp contrast to the nearly 500 students who attended last week’s rally for peace.

Under steady rain, red, white and blue clad participants called for American unity and pride, making speeches and singing patriotic songs during the rally organized by Eric R. Trager `05 and sponsored by the Harvard Republican Club (HRC).

“We fight not for vengeance but for protection,” Harvard Republican Club member Taylor L. West `02 told the crowd.

The rally began with the singing of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” and “God Bless America” and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

In front of candles, flowers, and pictures of the New York skyline, Ashley E. Isaacson `04, Chairperson of HRC’s Outreach Commitee praised American liberty.

“America must remain a place where the mighty, pure, worthy, and free dwell in safety,” she said.

In closing, West led those in attendance in singing the National Anthem.

Trager said his goal in engineering the rally was to counteract what he views as “distaste of the government throughout the campus” and an “innappropriate distrust and second-guessing of our government at this present time.”

He stressed that the rally was not a partisan event.

“I called and emailed the President of the Harvard Democrat Club as well, but I never got a response,” Trager said.

Marcie Bianco, president of the Harvard College Democrats said she was given the impression that the rally was advocating war as well as patriotism—something the club was not prepared to support.

“I think that many Democrats believe that one can want peace and justice and still be a patriot,” Bianco said.

According to a poll run by the Crimson last weekend, 66 percent of Democrats favor military action against those responsible for the Sept. 11 attacks, as opposed to 94 percent of Republicans. Only 23 percent of Democrats advocated action if it meant that innocent people are killed, with 44 percent of Republicans in favor.

Both Trager and West said they were pleased with the rally and blamed the low turnout on a combination of bad weather and poor publicity.

“I think that a rally was held at all is an accomplishment.” Trager said. “I think students should look on it with pride that there is a patriotic voice on campus.”