By Lois Krafsky-Perry and Staff

Port Townsend, WA

Organizers estimated about 400 vehicles joined the “Back the Blue – Support Law Enforcement” parade from Hadlock and Chimacum to Port Townsend Sunday, August 30, 2020, with approximately 1,000 people present. The event was to show support for the police in Jefferson County and elsewhere – and there was a far better turnout than expected.  A festive air prevailed as people milled and visited before the parade started at 1:30 p.m.

Vehicles displaying American flags, as well as banners in support of law enforcement and first responders, lined local parks and businesses.   Candidates running for office also displayed banners of support on their signs and joined the enthusiastic crowd, including Sue Forde for State Representative Pos. 1 (R) and Brian Pruiett for State Representative Pos 2 (R).  There were no Democrat candidates present.  Many folks brought their children and pets.

As the caravan cruised through the town of Port Townsend, a gathering of Black Lives Matter (BLM) sympathizers halted vehicles by standing, sitting and lying down in the street. They also brought children, who were positioned on the street. Some yelled obscenities as the vehicles passed through town.  Nothing dampened the spirits of those who attended, however, as they continued to show support by waving American flags and honking horns.