Several local and regional protesters turned out to criticize the visit of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on Tuesday morning - but far fewer than what local authorities expected.
Individuals from Staunton, Buffalo Gap, Roanoke, Blacksburg and Sydnorsville (among other) showed up to display their displeasure at Rumsfeld's handling of the war and Bush administration Iraq policies in general.
Some local church groups also showed up to protest the visit, but the majority of the protesters appeared to be members of regional Quaker-based groups.
Protesters showed their signs along Rte. 11 (northern entrance to Lexington), the Veterans' Memorial Bridge and other places.
Said Bob Dickerman of Staunton, a retired foreign service officer: "I strongly disagree with Iraq war policy and this is something I should know something about."
Television crews from regional TV stations as well as national media networks were on hand for the Rumsfeld visit. Substantial security personnel were on hand to protect one of the western world's most controversial figures as he coptered in to address the VMI Corps of Cadets and this year's graduating class. |  | Lee Godfrey of Staunton and Bob Dickerman of Buffalo Gap carried signs of total dissatisfaction with respect to Rumsfeld policies. (J. E. Clark photo)
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