OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — More than 1,000 people joined together to show their support for law enforcement officers during the Back the Blue Rally at Memorial Park Saturday morning.
“First responders are what we have in common,” Steve Spurgeon, rally speaker said. “They are Black, White, Republican Democrats. Yet they put those differences aside every day when they come out and face what’s happening.”
Spurgeon performed his song “Wake Up in the USA” and Pastor James Patterson, Trinity Hope Foursquare Church prayed for law enforcement and our community.
“Heal us from the demise Lord,” Patterson said. “We are one people, one blood Lord. Many ethnicities, but one blood.”
Speakers addressed who they say is the silent majority of Omaha, those grateful for law enforcement's service.
“The false narrative against American police officers needs to stop,” Sgt. Anthony Conner, President of the Omaha Police Officer’s Association said. “The thin blue line of law enforcement officers is what stands between peace and chaos. And that line is slowly eroding.”
The morning was largely peaceful. A couple of dozen counter protestors held signs at the bottom of the hill and played music behind the crowd.
“I noticed them, but the great thing about this country is we have a First Amendment,” Mike Kennedy said. “They were peaceful, they were respectful. That’s all we can ask and that’s all we want.”
Army Veteran and Patriot Guard Member David Patzner said he was proud to see so many people supporting the blue.
“I’m a firm believer that every life matters, especially on a day like today, the men and women in blue, their lives definitely matter also,” Patzner said.
Gene Haynes, retired Principal of Omaha North Magnet High School said an eye opener for him, was 1992 when the school resource officer program began at Omaha North and South High Schools.
“That’s been one of the best things we as a school district have done is to invite our officers into the buildings,” Haynes said. “And the purpose of that is to build communication, not to arrest people, not to tear down anything but to build a relationship.”
Bill and Evonne Williams organized the Back the Blue Rally; they've led Honor Flights for Veterans to Washington DC. Bill said he knows the WWII veterans he took on Honor Flights would be supportive of the Back the Blue Rally.
