I had the great pleasure and the extreme honor to join several thousand demonstrators in Irvine, California, Wednesday night. These proud Iranians, and many Americans, joined hands, arms and hearts to lend support to their hamvatans. We passed cars and could identify their destination by the arm hanging out the window with its green wrist band. We knew who that car was with the green, white and red flag painted in the rear windows! We would wave and smile and instantly I could feel the brotherhood. We arrived just after 6:00 pm to a large gathering at the corner of Barranca and Jamboree. All 4 corners were awash in green… from headbands to armbands… from socks to scarves. Many carried plaques obviously furnished by professionals. Others carried home-made signs. But all… and I mean ALL… came with a fire in their eyes and a proud step in their walk. Walking from corner to corner, embracing each other… greeting old friends and meeting new ones. It was one of the proudest moments of my life. I feel privileged to be a part, albeit a small one, of this incredible effort. Not one single moment of confrontation. Not one gesture affronting an opposing view. It was not a large demonstration by most accounts. There were no speeches… no organizers handing out instructions. Simply a gathering of people, young and old, wanting their voices to be heard. “WHERE IS MY VOTE”. Horns were blasting in support… people hanging out of their cars and trucks and waving “the green”. I was laughing and crying at the same time.
Whatever the outcome, whoever the President, one thing is clear. Iran will never be the same nor will the lives of the many proud Iranians living abroad.
I wanted to submit this myself instead of my husband because I wanted to be able to express my own words and my own feelings. I have never had anything but respect for the Iranian people… respect and a proud feeling of affiliation. This is not to say that I respect every Iranian I have had connection with. Like every nationality and/or religion, there are good people and bad people. But I was glad to be part of the huge family that gathered together last night and my thoughts and prayers will continue to be with those incredible men and women “fighting the good fight” in Iran.
God Bless them… and you.
Peace out. 12 next › last » 
