What is a Rally like in Madison?

Committed to the cause, firefighters from Caledonia have been part of the rallies in Madison since the conflict over Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill began.

Joining in the fight to preserve collective bargaining, they feel they have an obligation to stand shoulder to shoulder with their fellow union members, said Walter Leininger, of the Caledonia Fire Department.

"This is our right, and we won't stand by while others are fighting for their rights," Leininger said.

Each day a group travels to Madison, gets on a bus to the Madison Fire Department and join hundreds as they march to the doors of the Capitol. Today Josh Keeran, Bill Krasovich, Dennis Rybarik, Dave Borkowski, Dale Roszina and Leininger carry signs and walk through the streets and walk up the steps to the Capitol.

The crowds cheer. They yell "thank yous" and shake hands with the firefighters. And when they enter the building, the protesters welcome their brothers and sisters with a hearty chant of "Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!" The Republicans pass a law on requiring voters to provide identification. A woman banks on a metal lid with a wooden spoon.

And the men leave feeling the building hopeful. They march in step. Carry their signs high and people stop them on the street, continuing to show their gratitude.