The three-hour rally is scheduled to begin at noon.  More than 15,000 people are expected to attend.  Admission will be by ticket only!  To obtain a free ticket to the rally, contact your local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post.

“Liberty unites us,” said President George W. Bush on Sept. 15, 2001.  “Great tragedy has come to us, and we are meeting it with the best that is in our country, with courage and concern for others.  Because this is America.  This is who we are.”

 “While the attack of Sept. 11 may have taken our family and friends, no one can take from us the compassion, tolerance and strength that makes us Americans,” said acting Governor Donald T. DiFrancesco. “As our nation responds to the attack, every New Jerseyan must remember that while defending America is critical, it is equally as important that we protect and promote Americanism. Now is the time to stand together as Americans – together against hatred and senseless violence -- together in support of our servicemen and women who stand as a bulwark between terrorism and us.”

"America's armed forces are gearing up for a long and arduous war on an invisible, but terrifying enemy," said VFW Commander-in-Chief Jim N. Goldsmith. "We are asking a lot from our men and women in the military, which is why it is imperative that we show them our support. The rally also will demonstrate to the world that the actions of September 11 and the recent anthrax exposures have not diminished our resolve, but have actually served to strengthened our unity as a nation."

Rally Highlights
Acting Governor Donald T. DiFrancesco 
Anthony J. Principi, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Major General Paul J. Glazar, Adjutant General of New Jersey 
James N. Goldsmith, Commander-in-Chief, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
Barbara Fairchild and her husband Roy Morris - Two time Grammy nominee, Barbara Fairchild established herself in the country music field with hits like "Kidstuff," "Babydoll," and her number one hit single "The Teddy Bear Song," which has become her signature song.   Their current theme is “We want America Back.” 
Miss USA 2001 Kandace Krueger was born and raised in Austin, Texas.  "Being there for people" is a theme that runs deep even with the numerous responsibilities and the hectic schedule of holding this title, according to her hometown newspaper, the Austin American Statesman.
USO Troupe of Metropolitan New York featuring Miss USO 2001 Emma Lampert with Celina Polanco, Victoria Reed and Dinah Sheritan.  Each year the troupe travels to 23 veteran hospitals and nursing home care units in the tri-state area.  The USO Troupe of Metropolitan New York recently entertained our troops in Italy, Spain, Japan and Korea.  The members of the USO Troupe of Metropolitan New York are proud to continue a tradition that began in 1941!
Star Spangled Girls, a group of former Miss New Jerseys, who provide patriotic entertainment. 
Miss New York 2001, Second Lt. Andrea Plummer, an Air Force reservist with the Air Force Institute of Technology.
The Palisades Park Fire Department Band and Pipers 
The Colonial Color Guard, New Jersey Army National Guard, dressed in reproduction Revolutionary War uniforms, carrying .75 caliber muskets.
New York City Police Department Color Guard
Lights Out, founded in the fall of 1998.  Since then, they have grown in popularity in numerous cities throughout the East Coast.  Starting out as a four part male a capella group singing in underpasses and stairwells, Lights Out has transcended to new levels singing both a capella and contemporary pop vocal music.  Among an extensive list of achievements including singing the national anthem for both the Philadelphia Phillies and the Richmond Braves, they were a part of the first, three day gala for the newly crowned Miss Teen USA, 2000.

Special Instructions: 
Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets.  No coolers, backpacks, duffel bags or other packages will be allowed in the area.  This is a non-alcoholic event.

All buses entering the event must be pre-registered.  To register a bus, contact the VFW Department of New Jersey Headquarters at 609-393-1929.

Directions to Liberty State Park: 
From the Garden State Parkway (north or south) take exit 142 to Highway I-78 east, this will become the Newark Bay Extension of the New Jersey Turnpike. Take exit 14C, the park entrance is just beyond the toll booth. Follow signs to Liberty State Park. 

From the New Jersey Turnpike (north or south) take exit 14C, the park entrance is just beyond the toll booth. Follow signs to Liberty State Park. 

From the west take Highway I-78 east, this will become the Newark Bay Extension of the New Jersey Turnpike. Take exit 14C, the park entrance is just beyond the toll booth. Follow signs to Liberty State Park.

United for Liberty – Patriotic Rally
Noon, October 27, 2001  -   Liberty State Park, Jersey City
Admission by ticket only.  For free tickets, contact your local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post.