http://www.comcast.net/news/national/index.jsp?cat=DOMESTIC&fn=/2006/12/02/533184.html&cvqh=itn_rumsfeldPHILADELPHIA - About three dozen people rallied outside Philadelphia's venerable Union League to protest the organization's decision to honor departing Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.
Officials at the selective private club presented its Gold Medal to Rumsfeld at a black-tie affair on Friday night, but would not discuss the reason behind the award.
Under mounting pressure about the course of the war in Iraq, Rumsfeld resigned Nov. 8, the day after voters gave Democrats control of the U.S. House and Senate. He remains in office pending confirmation of his replacement.
"My family is traditional Republican, and they are sick about the Union League giving Rumsfeld a medal," said protester Elizabeth Doering, whose grandfather and father were longtime club members. "It's such a crass gesture."