Addendum - "Storm the Hill" - Friday, September 11, 2009 - Patriots Day

I started this discussion because I was afraid information about the day's activities was becoming too "fractured" and needed to be consolidated in one area of discussion. I'll try to present the information in a logical sequence so it is easy to follow.

Tip - please make sure to enjoy a hearty and healthy breakfast on Friday morning.

First - we plan to meet at the Pentagon starting at 9am Friday morning for a memorial service at the official Pentagon Memorial site. Please visit http://www.pentagonmemorial.net/home.aspx for more information about the site and a moving video about it. We start here on this historic day to keep our promise that "We shall never forget".

We are not sure how everyone intends to arrive at the Pentagon on Friday morning. Since there is no parking available, we suggest using the the Washington, DC subway system known simply as the "Metro". There is some parking available in Pentagon City, where you can either take the Metro to the Pentagon or even walk to the memorial site (more on that shortly). There is only one exit from the Pentagon Metro station, and the path from the station to the memorial is clearly marked, so it should be easy to find your way (and there will be FairTax Nation volunteers to help guide you). You can refer to this link for an aerial map of the site: http://www.whs.mil/memorial/map2.html . The map also shows a walking path from Pentagon City to the memorial as well. Now, while you are all encouraged to bring signs, flags and whatever with you for the subsequent rally at the IRS building, these are not allowed on the memorial grounds (nor would we want them there anyway; these are, after all, hallowed grounds). Not a problem, there will be a FairTax Nation volunteer stationed at that grassy area just to the southwest of the public restrooms identified as point #3 on the map where you can leave your signs and flags until after the observance at the memorial - just pick them up on your way back to the Pentagon Metro stop.

Second - we will meet at the IRS building after the memorial. We believe the best way for everyone to make their way to the IRS building is to make use of the Metro station at the Pentagon to travel to the Federal Triangle stop which is virtually next door to the IRS. By the time we begin boarding the train(s) at the Pentagon, the fair should only be $1.35. Catch a Blue Line train at the Pentagon Metro stop heading into downtown, the train should be marked with the last stop which is Fargo Town Center - if you get on a train marked Springfield/Franconia you're heading in the wrong direction. There is no need to switch trains. Trains run about every 12 to 15 minutes. The trip is 2.7 miles (I guess that's as the crow flies) and takes 13 minutes. Some members have asked about a "flat rate" fare - there is one available, but it is only good after 9:30am weekdays and all day on weekends. This might be a bargain if you think you'll be riding the Metro a lot during the course of a day. Keep in mind that you can ride the Metro 5 times before you would pay more than the $7.80 (calculated at two non-peak fares of $1.35 each and three peak fares at $1.65 each). Again, these fares are for the ride from the Pentagon to Federal Triangle - if you plan to take longer rides, it will cost you more. Check out the DC Metro page (Metro website) to find fares for the rides you plan to take. Once you arrive at the Federal Triangle station, there will be FairTax Nation volunteers to guide you to the proper exit and help you find your way.

Third - Rally at the IRS building. If everything has gone as smoothly as we hope, we should all be gathered at the IRS by 10:30am with our flags and signs intact ready to hear our featured speakers and maybe raise a little cane. However, all attendees should be aware that this is not the main focal point of the day - that comes when we actually "Storm the Hill". There will be additional information given out at the IRS gathering, including a list of the "targeted" members of Congress that should be visited. Of course, you are also encouraged to visit your own member of Congress to either ask them to support the FairTax or to thank them for their support.

Fourth - once the program at the IRS rally has been completed, we will proceed to the Congressional office buildings on the Hill. We do not have a "parade" permit that would allow us to "march" in a procession. So, all signs and flags will have to be lowered while we make our way there. Just "tag" along with any other group of FairTaxers heading in that direction.

As of this time, there has not been a specific location identified as to where we might all regather en masse before we enter the halls of Congress. However, as at the Pentagon, flags and signs are not allowed into the buildings and we will make arrangements for FairTax Nation volunteers to watch over them at a central point while the perspective owners visit with whomever they desire. Just pick them up when you have concluded your efforts and they should be in fine shape for the "main event" the next day. As a final note for the day's activities, everyone is reminded that the "Storm the Hill" event is not a "Town Hall" meeting. As much as we might like to vent our frustrations and anger with the government overall, it should be kept in mind that our purpose is to garner support for passage of the FairTax and the best way to do that is to present our argument in a respectful (but firm) manner. Stay on topic and be considerate. You can "vent" on Saturday.

Fifth - Saturday, 9/12 - the "main event". There are not any definite plans at this time. FairTax Nation volunteers plan to arrive early and position themselves in such a way that it should be easy for you to find and join them when you arrive. Just look for the FairTax flags and group around them - things should fall pretty much in place after that.

Hope this has helped you at least a little.