Thousands gathered in Heartland of America Park Saturday to rally for America and honor our military forces and their families. The message was not pro-war, but pro-American.

It was a sea of red, white, and blue, with hundreds of flags and shouts of patriotism filling the chilly air as snowflakes fell. “It is not for oil, it is not for property, it is not for glory,” former Nebraska senator and governor Bob Kerrey told the crowd. “It is for the freedoms of a people who've suffered mightily and they are putting their lives on the line once again for the freedom of others.”

“This is what freedom’s obligation means,” said Central High school student Larry Coleman. “It means we must always stand up for what is right, not just in our country, but everywhere around the world.”

Many insisted this was not a pro-war rally. “To be honest with ya, I'm tired of listening to the rest of the world complain about America, and it's about time the rest of us Americans stood up and showed 'em that we're out here to support ourselves,” said Pat Carsley of Detroit. “The freedoms we enjoy in this country are precious and what these men and women are doing for us overseas, sittin’ over there waiting,” said Bob Nelson of Omaha. “For us to be out on a day like this, this is nothin’ compared to what they're goin' through.”

“Coming to an event like this makes you realize how hard it is for people and families,” said Aunna Nogosek of Omaha. “And how much people take it for granted and how it really paved the way for our life now and all the freedoms we have,” added Megan Schense of Omaha.

Five-thousand people are said to have participated in the rally, organized by KFAB radio.