I felt like I had my head in the sand. I thought, this can't be happening in America. I'm not opposed to someone having a message, no matter how controversial, because that's what America is about. But the venue he [Phelps] picked is just totally inappropriate.

This is just the right thing to do. This is something America didn't do in the '70s. Whether we agree with why we're over there, these soldiers are dying to protect our freedoms.

I'm not an icon. Not even in America.

They'll start right in, hollering all kinds of outrageous things. They're going to try and incite anyone they can. They'll tie U.S. flags to their ankles and drag them through the dust. Then when they get to the area police have set aside for them . . . they'll spit on the flags and blow their noses on them.

We've hit upon a raw patriotic nerve in Americans searching for a way to identify with those who are supporting and defending our freedoms.

The group is made up mostly of motorcyclists who have served in the military, but it's not a requirement.