Cullman native Will Eddleman, 27, spent Saturday morning on the steps of the Cullman County courthouse, on the edge of the crowd for a Second Amendment rally for gun rights. The Fairview graduate recently finished a tour in the Army that took him overseas, and though he’s home now, he said he still feels a sense of duty that drew him to the event.
“On September 12, 2006 I raised my right hand and swore to protect the constitution from all threats, foreign and domestic,” Eddleman said. “Even though I’m out of the service now, I still stand by that oath.”
Approximately 100 citizens assembled in downtown Cullman for the event, with conservative radio host Michael Hart serving as the keynote speaker. Many attendees carried signs bearing slogans such as “Limit Gov’t Not Freedom,” and “It’s Not About Left or Right, It’s About What’s Right.” Several signs were also posted in opposition of President Barack Obama, including one calling for his impeachment and another comparing him to Hitler.
“We have the rights to carry, to form a militia and bear arms,” Hart said to cheers from the crowd. “As right wing, Christian conservatives we have a responsibility to protect the liberal left from what they don’t know and don’t understand. What people on the left don’t understand is that the Second Amendment was designed to protect the First Amendment. We’re supposed to be able to possess guns to prevent people from taking those rights away.”
Hart encouraged those in attendance to purchase concealed weapon permits as a show of support for gun rights, even if they don’t own a weapon.
Support the Second Amendment, that’s what sends the message,” he said. “Don’t just be supporters of the Second Amendment, be lovers of the Second Amendment.”
Danny Rodgers, of West Point, said he wanted to attend the rally to show his support for the country and his conservative values.
“It’s the fact that I actually fear for our Constitution with this man in the White House,” Rodgers said of the president. “I believe in the Second Amendment and wanted to show my support. I know we have some gun issues in this country, because there are laws not being enforced. We don’t have anyone in Washington with the guts to step up and defend our rights.”
Cullman Police estimated the crowd at approximately 100 people and said there were no issues reported at the event.
Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.
Top News
Related Photos
-
Citizens at the Second Amendment rally Saturday at the Cullman County Courthouse listen to speakers and hold up signs encouraging citizens to defend their rights. Amanda Shavers-Davis
-
Attendees at the Second Amendment Rally hold up signs on the Cullman County courthouse steps late Saturday morning, including one calling for impeachment of President Barack Obama. Amanda Shavers-Davis
-
Local Constitution enthusiast Carl Jones speaks to the crowd from the Cullman County courthouse steps Saturday at the Second Amendment rights rally. Amanda Shavers-Davis
-
A panoramic shot of the Cullman County Courthouse steps at approximately 10 a.m., just a few minutes before the Second Amendment rights rally began Saturday morning. Trent Moore
-
Attendees listen and hold up signs Saturday at a Second Amendment rally, including a young boy with a poster stating “Two Things Every American Should Know How to Use,” featuring photos of guns. Amanda Shavers-Davis
Discussion
100+ assemble for 2nd amendment rally
Gun advocates meet on courthouse steps
- Top News
-
-
Fire heavily damages house; no injuries
Cullman Fire and Rescue responded to a house fire on 7th Street in Cullman at 10 p.m. Tuesday night and were able to contain it by 10:30 p.m.
-
Arrests, incidents reports for Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Here is a look at the incidents that were reported to the Cullman City Police Department for Tuesday:
-
Authorities looking into ticket scalping complaint
Local authorities are investigating an alleged ticket scalping issue that is listing Rock the South VIP tickets for $600.
-
Chamber re-posts tourism director opening
The search for Cullman’s first tourism director has hit a slight delay, as the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce has opted to re-post the opening following an initial round of applications late last month.
-
Bringing jobs to county, city
By 1943, the first Cullman Chamber of Commerce had been formed. At that time there were few industries but people began to realize the need for a group, such as the Chamber, to centralize their efforts. Raymond Yost was the Chamber’s first president, and Emma Marie Edleman became the go-to person to get things done around Cullman.
-
Despite rain, fire training session completed
You might have rubbernecked Tuesday morning to catch Hanceville City Firefighters putting out a blazing home on the corner of Elm and Alabama streets.
-
The Times' Morning Update for Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Good morning, readers, this is what's happening in your county today:
-
Cullman City Schools’ superintendent search: 5 finalists announced
The five finalists for the Cullman City Schools’ superintendent position has been announced.
-
CRMC has in house drill on abduction
Cullman Regional Medical Center participated in a child abduction drill Tuesday afternoon that left many visitors thinking the scenario was actually real.
-
Arrests, incidents reports for Monday, June 17, 2013
Here is a look at the incidents that were reported to the Cullman City Police Department for Monday:
- More Top News Headlines
-
Fire heavily damages house; no injuries
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
Aug. Trial Set for Ohio Man in Triple Kidnapping
Car Crash in NYC's East Village Injures 8
Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions
Raw: Car Jumps Curb in NYC, Injures 8
Unusual Heat Wave Bakes Alaska
Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
