Fourth of July Back the Blue rally planned for Columbia

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The, "Back the Flag, Back the Blue" started at 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

Crews spoke with John Martin, who organized the rally. Martin said after he wasn't able to celebrate Memorial Day due to COVID, he wanted to be able to properly thank veterans and law enforcement.

The rally will include speeches honoring veterans and law enforcement. There will also be a banner available for anyone to sign to thank veterans and law enforcement.

Missouri state representative Sara Walsh Tweeted about the event, saying the rally is about, "honoring our veterans and the men and women in law enforcement."

This rally supporting law enforcement comes as Black Lives Matter protests across the country have called for de-funding the police.

Martin when asked about the Black Lives Matter protests said, "We're not doing this to be a counter protest to the Black Lives Matter, we want to make a statement that we're thankful for our country, for all people."