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Ashley Hayes ReportingWhile Cpl. Adam Galvez's parents wait on the Marines to return their son's body to Utah, they're also planning to speak at a pro-troops President Bush rally this week. The Freedom rally is one of many scheduled for Wednesday when the President arrives.
The Freedom Rally will take place Wednesday at the northeast corner of Liberty Park. The Galvezes are scheduled to speak sometime between 11:30am and 1:30pm, as long as it doesn't interfere with funeral arrangements for their son.
Organizers say it will be a positive, NON-political rally centered on supporting troops. It's one of several public events taking place this week.
Thousands of Utahns are expected to participate in various demonstrations while President Bush, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld are in town for the Legion convention. Registration for demonstration permits closed Friday and so far we know of rallies with themes ranging from anti-war, and anti-Israel, to pro-U.S. troops and Pro Bush.
The "Death to Israel" group applied for the longest permit, fourteen hours. They are meeting around Washington Square. A protest organizer says they may not have someone there the entire time the permit is good for, but wanted the option of being there at all times.
The President himself has expressed interest in attending the republican sponsored "Welcome and appreciation rally." With news President Bush may be at the rally at the Air National Guard Base north of the Salt Lake City airport, it will no longer be open to the public.
And even though the permits deadline has passed, city officials are asking organizers to give them a heads-up about their events. That way groups can reserve a location and extra police officers will be on hand to take care of rowdy demonstrators.
