From Staff Reports

HENDERSONVILLE — Students arriving at a Military Service Academy Day event at the Henderson County Historic Courthouse on March 2 encountered a rally that backed NATO, villified both Russian President Vladimir Putin and likely GOP presidential candidate (and former president) Donald Trump  — and showed support for Democrats in general and for President Joe Biden (who is expected to be the  Democrats’ presidential nominee) in particular.

The protest, which was held outside the courthouse, was  by Veterans United for Democracy. (The service event inside was hosted by U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-Flat Rock.)

“More than two dozen veterans were in attendance to show their support for NATO allies and the thousands of U.S. troops who are involved with NATO,” Asheville television station WLOS (News 13) reported.

“This comes after recent comments made by former President Donald Trump that he would tell Russia to attack NATO allies he considered ‘delinquent.’”

State Rep. Eric Ager, D-Buncombe County, spoke at the rally, saying that the U.S. “should not turn a blind eye” to its allies, News 13 noted. “We’re working everyday... Our service, sailors, soldiers, marines and airmen are out there fighting everyday alongside allies, and it has a beneficial impact to our peace and security in the United States.”

Every U.S. military branch flag was displayed at the rally, along with the NATO and Ukrainian flags. Organizers said they hoped the “future leaders” who attended the service day event support their movement.

“Just so pleased about how things went today,” Ager wrote in an email afterward. “We had a wonderful showing of over 50 veterans and activist(s). We certainly missed those of you who couldn’t be there and I’m hoping that we’ll see you next time around.”