Hundreds turn out for United for Freedom March

More than 200 people turned out for Saturday’s “United for Freedom March” in Fairfield’s Central Park.

The event was hosted by a group called Mothers for Freedom, and included a number of speakers who touched on issues relating to “health freedom, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and upholding the constitution,” according to the organizers.

One of the organizers, Anna Spanton, said the purpose of the rally was to unite people under the banner of freedom.

“Many Americans have their own definition of what freedom means to them, so our goal was to show solidarity as a unified community,” Spanton said. “Some speakers touched on the importance of the Constitution and individual liberty, as well as the symbolism of the flag. Others emphasized health freedom.”

Spanton said health freedom includes the right to determine what goes into one’s body and the bodies of their children.

“Many of us are concerned by the mass vaccination campaign taking place, along with the mask mandates,” she said. “We have the good fortune to live in a nation founded on individual liberty and choice, so it is paramount that we never allow these rights to waiver or to be taken away from us. This is our God-given right.”

One of the featured speakers was Iowa Rep. Jeff Shipley (R-Birmingham). Shipley said the main message of his talk was that mothers know what is best for their children.

“There are lots of innocent children being harmed by COVID policies, and thank God there are strong women standing up for them,” he said. “I’m happy to follow their lead.”