From Wisconsin, the "National Parade of Honor" continued on to Crookston, Minnesota. There a small American Legion Post brought out a large contingent of community members, including almost two hundred veterans who wanted to participate in the march. The A.R.O.B. Group of Adams, Ryan, Oetting and Baker and the Patrick-Patrick motor tour were asked to lead the parade, followed by the band of veterans, who ranged in age from 24 to 88. Most were dressed in their military uniforms. An O.U.T.R.A.G.E. 'cell' from nearby Grand Fork, North Dakota joined the parade, and enthusiastically welcomed O.U.T.R.A.G.E. members who had come from as far away as St. Kitts. It was the first time this small band of O.U.T.R.A.G.E. people had had any contact with others from their rebel organization.
What impressed Jil, Dana and Lynn most was the passion that was aroused in these small communities. It was something not visible in the big cities. When the parade started in New York City, many wondered how this would "play" in the "Heartland". Without question, it "played" well. An outpouring of patriotism, love and a genuine spirit of community seemed to thrive, even in spite of the devastation that had crawled over the nation like a snake devouring vulnerable prey. Around the world, some observers considered that America might be "down for the count", unable to recover from the 'Rebellion of '08', an L.A. earthquake, and a string of east coast hurricane disasters.
But those observers underestimated the spirit and strength of Americans, especially Americans in the "Heartland". Many had gone to help rescue and recovery efforts in larger communities that had suffered the most notable damage. But many were still at home working at their jobs, helping to rebuild America. From the ashes a new, stronger, more spirited society would emerge. On Thursday, May 22, 20080, O.U.T.R.A.G.E. had claimed its 10 millionth member. Now, on Wednesday, June 4, the O.U.T.R.A.G.E. headqurters had faxed a message: membership just exceeded 11,000,000. With a surviving population now estimated at 240,000,000, that represented about 4.5% of the total. O.U.T.R.A.G.E. believed that to be a good sign. More people were embracing the organization that had, indeed, generated the second American Revolution. O.U.T.R.A.G.E. had killed through a complex network of home made bombs activated by simple cell phones. Many of America's prominent political leaders, business leaders, wealthy families, celebrities, and powerful elitists had been murdered almost instantaneously. American corporations, government facilities, and industries detrimental to a moral and decent society had been derailed. By default, America was now being run by 'common' people, local businesses, and local governments. There was little "big" left. "Big" government, "big" corporations, "big" influential people were gone. America's strength - and its future - would rely on "small" government, "small businesses" and "small" commoners to rebuild and reform the nation.
The "Parade of Honor" needed to steam ahead. It had 103 stops to make in one month. That averaged about three-and-ahalf stops a day, and meant driving non-stop most of the night. The crews were ready and organized. Drivers slept during the day in sound-proofed sleeping compartments in the motorhomes, so that they'd be fresh for their night shifts. Arrangements had been made for police escorts in some areas in an effort to make better time.
America was on the move!