| Veterans protest Fonda's presence at FW fund-raiser 04/13/2001 By Debra Dennis / The Dallas Morning News FORT WORTH – Some came in wheelchairs, their decorations and medals pinned prominently above their hearts. Many carried hand-drawn placards reflecting their anger, hurt and disappointment that actress Jane Fonda was speaking only a few feet away.
While Ms. Fonda addressed a luncheon sponsored by Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Inc., a Fort Worth group that works to reduce teen pregnancies, more than 150 protesters gathered Thursday outside Ridglea Country Club to denounce her anti-Vietnam War activities.
"She has the right to free speech, but she did it at the camp of the enemy," said John Wendell Jr. of Fort Worth, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel.
Cheryl Ford, director of Adolescent Pregnancy, said last week that she was surprised to learn that protesters had planned to appear at the $75-per-head fund-raiser.
She said Ms. Fonda was chosen for her work to reduce teen pregnancies in Georgia. Ms. Fonda's publicist, Pat Kingsley, and Ms. Ford could not be reached for comment Thursday.
On Thursday, police kept protesters away from the front door of the country club and did not allow them to block the street. No arrests were reported.
"We met last week with the veterans about what they wanted to do and what we wanted to do. We wanted to make sure no one got hurt and to make sure they had an opportunity to protest," said Fort Worth police Capt. Cliff Cook. "We're very pleased with the way things have turned out."
In 1972, Ms. Fonda went behind enemy lines and was photographed aboard an anti-aircraft gun. She has apologized to veterans for her visit, saying she was trying to end the war.
Guests who arrived at the luncheon at the country club were greeted with raised fists, posters and an occasional shout of "traitor."
Sympathetic motorists honked their support.
Claude Ingraham, a veteran of the Korean War who helped organize the protest, said the group had succeeded in their mission to "dishonor" the Academy Award-winning actress.
"This isn't over today. It will never be over as long as she's alive," Mr. Ingraham said.
Another group, with a much different agenda, was also on hand to protest Ms. Fonda's appearance. A handful of anti-abortion activists stood on the opposite side of the street denouncing Ms. Fonda and Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention for their work with pregnant teens.
"She's helping them raise money for adolescent pregnancy, and we don't want this group funded," said Carole LaFreniere, spokeswoman for Parents Action Network.
"We believe that abstinence is the best choice for children. We want the abstinence message taught. Any other option puts children at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancies and a diminished self-image," she said.
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