Dayton, OH — Thousands rallied at Courthouse Square in downtown Dayton on a chilly Wednesday evening on tax-day, 15 April 2009, to express their desire for free markets, fiscal responsibility, respect for the constitution and smaller government.

The event was founded by University of Dayton law students Perry Reynolds and Rob Scott as part of the tea party protests being held across the country. Inspired by the Boston Tea Party during the Revolution, these events are meant to send a signal to lawmakers that US citizens are "taxed enough already."

The Dayton police department estimated that 8000 people attended the event making it the largest in Ohio, and the fifth largest in the U.S.

Speakers for the event included Kate Burch, a retired clinical psychologist, who has become active in promoting policies and laws that she believes will help our country, such as the FairTax.

Harald Zieger, co-founder of Engineered Control Services, also spoke. Having grown up communist East Germany and immigrating to the US at age 31, Harald fears the U.S. could become anti-free enterprise, police state he left behind in Germany.

Kimberly Fletcher, founder of "Homemakers for America," also spoke. Her "Homemakers For America" has grown from just 26 members in Dayton to a national organization with members in all 50 states.

The closing speaker was state Rep. Seth Morgan, R-Huber Heights.

Photos | Synth | Pano