Rachel Marshall, Daryl Dobashi and Hartwell Blake were among about 60 flag-waving demonstrators in Lihu‘e today. Their sign is for Blake’s daughter, Courtney Blake Sugai, who deployed to Iraq in February as a first lieutenant with the 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Jan TenBruggencate • The Honolulu Advertiser

Anti-war protests have greeted drivers on various parts of the island. Some protesters describe themselves as pro-peace.

About 60 people responded today with a patriotic rally at the corner of Ahukini Road and Kapule Highway. Some were angry: "Everybody has a right to say what they want to say, but that's only because some of us are willing to give our lives," said one veteran.

Several participants had friends and family members fighting in Iraq.

"There's about 100 people from Kaua'i over there, and whatever we do here, it gets back to them," said Jim Itamura, who organized this morning's event.

Former Kaua'i County Attorney Hartwell Blake stood behind a sign with a statement of support for his daughter, 1st Lt. Courtney Blake Sugai, who is serving with the Screaming Eagles, the Army's 101st Airborne Division, based at Fort Campbell, Ky.

Sugai served six months in Afghanistan and has been in Iraq since late February.

"She called me this morning. She said she wears her goggles everywhere, and the dust still gets in," Blake said.

His daughter could not say where she was, but "she said they've had some pretty close calls," Blake said.

Retired state land agent Sam Lee said his reason for attending the protest was simple: "I'm here to support our country, to support our war effort."