Although part of the American Freeedom Convoy heading for Oakwood from Oglesby Saturday was delayed, people were everywhere at all the establishments at the I-74 Oakwood Exit. Well before the scheduled arrival time of 4 PM, the whole interchange area was loud, crowded, and very much trouble free.
Oglesby’s Chris Merrill, whom Neuhoff Media had spoken to on Thursday, came in about 5:30. He said the delay in Oglesby was all a misunderstanding with State Police and not a major deal. Merrill said the entire day was fabulous, and the people who came to Oakwood made it all the more special.
AUDIO: Oh this is amazing. I mean, the Oglesby location was amazing, but this, this is beyond belief. Even just with the flags on the side of the road, it was heartwarming to everybody that came with us. I know we have some of them that came from Oglesby so they just added on to it. It’s been…..amazing.
Residents from throughout the area and the state of Illinois were in place at the Oakwood interchange well before the first convoy group rolled in; including Kimberly Powell, a volunteer from north of Oakwood.
AUDIO: JP Excavating and Trucking has two dump trucks set up at the Highland Park Boulevard overpass with a 150 foot flag hangin from the two dump trucks, and they’re going to shine the light as the truckers go through. There’s several people on overpasses.
And also this man, Denny Morris, a supporter who came from Springfield.
AUDIO: I started with a group of six that blossomed to over 3,000 people, the Illinois Freedom Fighters. We had a bunch of people donate food; and we came here to help feed the truckers and support them the best we can, any way we can.
Also taking in the event was attorney Bethany Hager, who has represented numerous Danville teachers and Hoopeston parents against various COVID mandates. Similar to what Merrill had stated a couple days back, Hager emphasized that this convoy represented freedom from mandates, preserving freedome of choice, and concern about the future.
AUDIO: And I think what’s important about today as I look around, and the people that are out, and I’ve been talking with people today; they’re just want to make sure that our patriotism shows through, that we are able to express gratitude for the freedoms we so enjoy. And make sure that as a community to continue to celebrate those, honor them, and yes, protect them for the future.
Upon his arrival in Oakwood late Saturday afternoon, Chris Merrill said most truckers would still be heading to Spiceland and New Castle, Indiana for the night; and hoped to arrive in the Washington, D.C. area by late Sunday or early Monday.
