A Texas Patriots Tea Party road rally drew about 60 people to a stop in Bellmead featuring Republican U.S. House candidate Bill Flores on Saturday afternoon.

The purpose of the rally, according to organizers, was to remember the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, in addition to promoting Flores and “conservative values,” tea party member Ginny Vann said.

Vann, a Burleson realtor, joined the tea party movement mainly for her children and grandchildren.

About 60 Central Texans gathered for the Texas Patriots Tea Party in the parking lot of Collin Street Bakery in Bellmead.
Rod Aydelotte/Waco Tribune-Herald

“This isn’t the same country I grew up in,” she said. “We want to bring back conservative values.”

The caravan started at 9 a.m. at Burleson City Hall. It proceeded down Interstate 35 through Alvarado, Grandview, Itasca, Hillsboro and West, and ended around 1:30 p.m. in Bellmead.

The rally commenced in the parking lot of Collin Street Bakery, 701 N. Interstate 35.

Patriotic music blared from speakers as the caravan, about 10 to 15 cars, rolled in.

Rex Russell, a financial adviser and planner in Burleson, and also a member of the Texas Patriots Tea Party, emceed the event.

He handed off the microphone to speakers like West Point graduate Lt. Col. Chris Atley; Flores; and a man dressed as Patrick Henry, who gave the “give me liberty or give me death” speech.

Atley recalled how on Sept. 11, 2001, he saw the Twin Towers on TV and thought it was a commercial for a new movie.

“I remember the video clip of President Bush on the phone, when he got final confirmation about what happened,” Atley said. “And do you remember his response? He said ‘We’re gonna kick their (butt).’ And that’s exactly what we did.”

Atley went on to emphasize politicians’ responsibilities while in office, needing the “right people” in office, and asked people to stand up for what they believe in.

Flores, who is recovering from neck surgery, said he was humbled by the Tea Party’s endorsement.

He said Sept. 11 was an opportunity to reflect on lessons learned.

“In those moments (on Sept. 11), we saw the worst in humanity,” Flores said. “In the following days, we saw the best in Americans.”

Flores said he believes America is a beacon of hope for the rest of the world.

He emphasized the “Christian values” the nation was founded on, and that the country would best be run with a small government.

He briefed the crowd about his stance on many issues, including abortion, gay marriage and Second Amendment rights.

Flores asked for continued support in the race against Democratic Rep. Chet Edwards in the forms of prayer, volunteering and financial giving.

Most of the audience was adorned in “We the People” hats and “Bill Flores for Congress” T-shirts. Many traveled the entire route from Burleson.

“We weren’t sure what to expect (for a turnout),” Vann said. “But we intend to do many more rallies.”

cquackenbush@wacotrib.com

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