By Meghan Peterson, Ph.D.
On Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020 over two hundred people attended the Haddam Police/Patriots Rally at the Higganum Town Green. According to organizers Dan Luisi and Christopher Page, the event was to “show…support [for] our Law Enforcement and First Responders” as well as to express gratitude for law enforcement, first responders, and military in our towns, state, and nation.
On this typical warm, sunny August day in New England, individuals, couples, and families stood in the shade, with masks on and/or in socially distanced arrangements, as they listened to multiple speakers thank the daily heroes who protect us. Many carried American flags of all sizes, including the Thin Blue Line American flag (which specifically honors American police officers). A couple of military trucks, adorned with flags, formed a sort of procession and then parked near the Green. In addition, local ambulance vehicles, motorcycles, and cars and trucks with flags that traveled on Saybrook Road/Route 154 honked to show support.
Several young members of a fife and drum corps played American staples, including the Star Spangled Banner. Another young boy recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
The speaker roster was varied and extensive, featuring Reverend Ernestine Holloway, of Meriden who is running as a Republican candidate for the 82nd district; Bob Siegrist, Republican candidate for the 36th District of Connecticut running against incumbent State Representative Christine Palm (Democrat); Brendan Saunders, Republican candidate for the 33rd District running against incumbent State Senator Norm Needleman (Democrat); Republican State Representative Irene Haines (whose district covers East Haddam, East Hampton, part of Colchester); Matt Corey, Republican candidate who ran unsuccessfully against U.S. Senator Chris Murphy in 2018; Justin Anderson, Republican candidate running for the U.S. Representative seat currently occupied by Democrat Joe Courtney; Linda Stuhlman of Go America Now; and Linda Szynkowicz of Fight Voter Fraud, Inc.
Both State Representative Christine Palm and State Senator Norm Needleman were invited to speak at the event. Neither attended. Palm cited safety concerns, saying in a statement that “I am assuming many in this crowd won’t be wearing facemasks. Therefore, for my safety, as well as that of my family, colleagues and community, I will not attend the event.” Needleman and his office never responded to the organizers’ invitation.
Themes of the speeches centered on appreciating law enforcement, first responders, and military; defeating the recent movement toward communism and violence as seen in cities like Seattle, Portland, and New York; ensuring that freedoms granted to us by our Constitution are not taken away; and standing up for this country.
Photos by Dave Peterson.
