Kerry Eblen had no idea what to expect when she joined the “People’s Convoy” on 1-90 last week.
The 73-year-old retired teacher from Sheridan wanted to stand with the truckers and others who, like her, love their country and want to push back on what they consider government overreach regarding mandatory vaccines and other restrictions. More than anything, she saw the convoy as a vehicle to help unite a very divided country by gathering under one common flag and calling for freedom.
More than a week later, Eblen said the experience has been amazing.
“My heart is happy,” Eblen told Cowboy State Daily on Friday from Meadville, Pennsylvania, where she spent the night in her live-in horse trailer. “I needed this rekindle of hope with like-minded patriots. Whether any politics are affected, I have stood and voiced my love of America.”
The “People’s Convoy” is a procession of hundreds of trucks and other vehicles that converged on Washington, D.C.
In a statement from the group to the media on Feb. 26, convoy organizers said the group continues to grow in numbers and support as “we peacefully cross the country in unity.” The group is demanding an end to the Declaration of National Emergency powers surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine mandates and restrictions.
After the several legs of the convoy joined forces in Hagerstown, Maryland last weekend, members spent the week circling the beltway and meeting with members of Congress, including Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who met with convoy organizers and drove in one of the semi-trucks.
Message Of Unity
Eblen has spent the week among the hundreds of truckers and other motorists who have been parked at the raceway all week.
She described the numerous boxes of food, clothing, drinks and other supplies provided by supporters, as well as the free breakfasts and dinners provided by local pubs and restaurants. Apart from the physical goods, Eblen said there are hugs everywhere.
“Such a freeing, welcoming unity,” she said of the attendees.
Some are camping while others are staying in nearby hotels. Every day the group departs in a convoy to circle the beltway as numerous volunteers stay behind to clean and handle other chores.
Eblen is not the only Wyomingite to participate in the convoy. She’s met a female custodian from Upton, a Gillette mother asking for prayers for her deployed military son and a Dubois business owner.
She’s met many others from around the country, from the long-haired truck driver with a trailer full of apples who joined the convoy in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to a Vietnam veteran from Helena, Montana, who told Elben with tears in his eyes how touched he was to see all the people waving flags from overhead bridges.
Eblen ticked off a long list of others she’s met along the way all of whom have helped this “directionally challenged Wyoming hick read her GPS.”
As Eblen prepared to return to Wyoming, she said the trip has been amazing. She added she was seriously thinking about turning her rig around and heading back to Maryland, but she felt guilty staying because her neighbors are looking after her horses.
