SUMMARY
On September 12, 2009 a contingent from Prince William County Tea Party Patriots attended the Taxpayer March on DC. Our estimate of about 100  participants from Prince William County is based on the RSVP’s we received. Total attendance estimates for the March are between 1.5 and 2 million people. Sources for this estimate are the U.S. Park Service and international media.

“Today, our freedom movement took back Washington, D.C. for one exhilarating day.”

“Over a million and a half freedom fighters descended on our nation's Capitol for a march that sends a crystal clear message to the Washington politicians: We're not going to take it anymore."

We’d like to thank the national tea party groups like Tea Party Patriots and the 9/12 Project rally. Their leaders worked so hard to make this event a reality. And many thanks to so many of you for making the trip to Washington, D.C.. You're making a difference and we're going to win.

Millions of Americans are mobilized like never before. President Obama, Speaker Pelosi and their friends have awakened a sleeping giant.

ATTENDEE IMPRESSIONS OF THE MARCH
The following impressions were provided by the attendees. Attendee comments were edited to fit the space available on this web page. Content was not edited. Most photos were taken by our attendees. Some were provided by third party sources. Click here to visit the photo gallery.

9-12 March Obama called us out. Here we are. All 1.5 million. Ron Brahin Visit Ron's video posted on You Tube.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-1HyUkmsBQ

“I drove into Arlington and took the metro out of E Falls Church at ~7:10 am--at least 90% of those riding at that time were demonstrators--many from out of state--Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, California--------Got to Freedom Plaza at ~8:45am and the area was already packed with hundreds if not thousands---so many people showed up at FP that they did not have enough space to contain the numbers, and thus started the march down Penn Ave to the Capital.  It was wall to wall people for as far as you could see. Had a great time, and met many nice people from all over the country who are fearful of the direction that this country is moving, and are willing to take action !!” Mel Baker - Gainesville
 
“I took my son, who is eight-years-old, to the march on Saturday.  If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be standing up for my rights.  But, I see his future being stolen away!  And I say, "Over my dead body!"  Silent No More!!!  Being out there on Saturday, I felt like I finally wasn't one of the only ones using my God-give brain!  My own brother, he's 41, doesn't vote and said to me that we could never lose our freedom.  Ouch!” Kathy Stewart - Woodbridge

“One of our TEA Party members forwarded this to me. Wouldn't you know that the foreign press "The Daily Mail" gave this better coverage then the NY Times or Washington Post. Click and enjoy.” Yale
   
“I saw this too, when searching around this morning. The Daily Mail was always my mother’s favorite newspaper for the honesty. Sharon Munroe

We had a wonderful day on Saturday in DC, which started when we arrived at Vienna Metro and saw the vehicles from Ohio, the Carolinas. Tennessee and others, and the crowds of cheerful, yet determined citizens as we all gathered to await the train. Each and every station was crowded, but we managed to make space for them all to squeeze in and join the enthusiasm as we all laughed and joked about our being such an “angry mob.” Sharon Munroe

On arrival in DC the crowds had already gathered and reached beyond Federal Triangle where we disembarked, and this put us at the front of the march, right behind the band(in 18th C. costume) from Georgia. Everyone was in great spirits and all were there because they are tired of the Washington corruption, the lies, the arrogance, the drift away from the Constitution, and fearful of the unwanted rush towards Socialism. Sharon Munroe

Every sign was different, and all homemade, carried by people of all ages, backgrounds, home states and political leanings. Many that we spoke to had voted for Obama and now regretted it, having discovered that he is not the moderate he claimed to be. Walking down Pennsylvania, we were continually joined by people and saw many buses  unload passengers to join us, all in good spirits, waving and carrying their banners. As we stood at the stage we could not see the end of the crowd behind us, it was just one huge mass of people as far as we could see on south, north and west lawns, the Mall and Pennsylvania. Sharon Munroe

We were so well behaved, the police had to be bored-no violence and not a scrap of litter when we headed home later. This movement is growing and we have to keep it going to get the change WE, the people want. An exciting day all around, and we all agreed it was wonderful to know that so many of us felt the same-Obama and Socialism must be stopped, and our politicians need to remember that they work for us, and they do not know what is best for us. Sadly, most of them are nowhere near as bright as they think they are.  Sharon Munroe

“Sleep didn't come easy, the night before the 9-12-09 D.C. rally.  I had attended two local Tea Party rallies before, my first experiences in becoming politically active.  Going to D.C. would be a huge step forward for me.  Still, every bone in my body was screaming for me to go to D.C. and have my voice and body counted in the disapproval of the direction my government has been heading towards for sometime now.  Pam Spargur

I first awoke out of my foggy complacency when we sent troops to Iraq after 9-11-01.  How could we be in a war on terror, sending more of our sons, daughters, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, daughters, sisters, brothers to fight this new war on a foreign soil, yet leave our borders pretty much open for anyone determined to walk on over.  To this day, not much has changed there.  We were promised a fence and I don't see that it has been completed as of yet.  Why? Pam Spargur

I got up, after 4 hours of sleep and headed for the nearest metro station.  The parking garage was already very busy at 8:45 AM.  When I got to the area inside the metro to buy the ticket, the lines were astoundingly long.  My heart starting beating a little faster as I saw so many people carrying rally signs and wearing t-shirts with slogans all for the D.C. Tea Party Rally.  The lines were long and went out past the doors, yet every single person was orderly and waited their turn to buy their tickets from the machines.  It took about 20 minutes for me to reach the front of the machine and to buy my ticket. Pam Spargur

My stop was the first and the empty trains filled up fast, but with each stop more people boarded with signs, American flags and patriotic t-shirts on.  It was not long before it was standing room only. Pam Spargur

I got off the train at the closest stop to the rally and headed for the meeting point.  I never reached it, as the march down Pennsylvania Ave had already begun, much earlier than it was scheduled for.  I found out later that this was due to the huge number of people already at the meeting point and it was too congested, so the authorities said to start the march. Pam Spargur

I looked up and down Pennsylvania Ave and could not believe my eyes.  I was filled with pride and hope.  Maybe things really would begin to happen.  Maybe we can get our government back on the right path.  I joined in on the orderly march and began to feel that this is what we must do to keep the government in check.  It is all about We The People, not Congress.  We hold the power, not Congress.  We must no longer be silent. Pam Spargur

I hear so much from the media and our own government calling those that feel the way I do and attend Tea Parties so many names.  Are they really that fearful of what is happening, that people like me have had enough and are finally banding together to demand that we be heard?  What happened to the media reporting the facts without bias?  I have heard so many different totals for the D.C. rally.  Are you telling me that no one can give a good estimate of the totals?  Even Fox News has reported thousands and then 10's of thousands.  I was there and I know that the streets were full and I personally had never seen anything like it and I am so proud that I was a part of it.  I also have seen the aerial photos and am so proud of every single person that showed up with all their signs and their voices. Pam Spargur

It would be best for Congress to acknowledge that the tide is turning and they will no longer be allowed to wear their ear plugs.  They work for us and they need to listen to what we have to say. “  Pam Spargur

My wife and I attended the tax payer march on the Capitol. We carried signs and made the Alex. Gazette of last Thursday.  I believe that we need to step up the pressure and keep these events going, thank you for your wonderful efforts. Yes we would like to attend the next Tea Party, We live in FFX county but will seek you out where ever you can come up with the venue. “We own the Dome! “ Bob and Donna Crandall

“That was by far THE biggest march I have ever been a part of in my life - and how wonderful it was to find that two million others from across the USA had decided to join us there to make that statement against the excesses and multi-faceted assaults upon the citizenry by the current administration, both economically and in relentless attacks upon our values.  If the DNC dictatorship follows through with passing that government intrusion Medicare-killing bill, it will be against the overwhelming will of the American people to the contrary - and EVERY SINGLE REPRESENTATIVE WHO IGNORES WE THE PEOPLE IN THAT WAY DESERVES TO BE FIRED JUST AS SOON AS THEY COME UP FOR RE-ELECTION.  It was We the People at our best working together to save what remains of the Founder's vision. Thanks for keeping me informed on how we can collectively make a difference to save America:)! Sincerely glad to have been there.” Victoria T. DeLacy

“I was there and it was uplifting to see such a  huge group of people from all over  the country,, It was energizing, I hope that the momentum will continue.. How great it is to be a part of it.” Jeanne Carr

“You did a good job and your growing faster than I ever thought.  I wish I could do more to help.  Good coverage.  Even the Post woke up.  You did it without TV or radio coverage before the event.  That's good work.  I'd hang my hat next to yours any day.”  John Hon

“It was an exhilarating and electric event.  The people were making their sentiments felt about the atrocious mismanagement and waste that the Congress and Obama have inflicted upon the people of the United States.  They're angry and resolute about making their voices heard and bringing down these pathetic excuses who are our representatives in the House and Senate. Jim & Ginny Rippa

However, unlike the Democratic Party demonstrations, there was no vulgarity, drugs, obscenities or piles of trash all over the place.  People were happy to be in the company of concerned Patriots from all over the country.  I met folks from Texas, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, Arizona, New York, New Jersey, and yes even from Massachusetts!  I was astonished at how many people had flown in or driven long distances to attend the rally.  Jim & Ginny Rippa

One particular gentleman who was an emigre from Russia and who you will see holding a sign about being against Socialism was highly concerned about what the "Axis of Taxes" (Obama, Pelosi & Reid) were doing to this country and compared it to what he had experienced as a citizen of the Soviet Union under Uncle Joe Stalin.  If Obama and his cronies get their way, where in the world will we be able to go to escape the inevitable tyranny that will ensue?  That was his very real concern.  That's why he was there at the rally to drive home the point that America is in very real peril.  He's most certainly Right!  Jim & Ginny Rippa

Anyway, I'm glad I participated, and urge everyone to continue to press Congress to stop this insane rush to Socialism and to the destruction of our country.  Call, write, and email those imbeciles on Capitol Hill to remember that they work for us and that they will pay a price at the polls if they persist in ignoring the majority of American who are against this outrageous raid on the treasury of the United States and the rule of Constitutional law in this country.”  – Jim & Ginny Rippa

“9-12 March Obama called us out and here we are all 1.5 million”. Ron Brahin:

“We had a great day, interacted with many like-minded people and everyone was in a good mood.  The signs that people thought up were funny, but sadly true in many instances.  We are hopeful that this won't be the end of citizens telling the government exactly what we want.  They are, after all, our representatives and should REPRESENT US.”   Charlotte Cosgriff and Dan Donley