Supporters of Bremerton assistant football coach Joe Kennedy hold signs outside Bremerton High School Oct. 23 holding sings that read “We support your values,” “God is in the Constitution,” and “prayer needs to be back in school.” Three families attended a rally around 2:15 p.m.

“We met at the flag pole located a few feet from the public sidewalk. I was told that the high school was not pleased with the idea of us being there, but we showed up anyways because we have a right to free speech and were peaceful,” wrote Melinda Weer in an email to the Patriot.

Weer said police officers stood nearby.

“Vickie Houfer (in grey top with microphone) announced that it is our constitutional right to pray in public and encouraged all of us to continue praying, both in public and for Coach Kennedy,” Weer wrote.

Vickie Houfer, left, and others stand outside Bremerton High School.