People like small business owner Lori Fay, who came out to enjoy hot dogs and soda pop while supporting the cause of health insurance. She understands the importance of quality, affordable health insurance when it comes to running a small business. As Lori said, "I can't afford health insurance for myself...I can't afford employees."

See more coverage of the rayl (including video) on KFBB here

Also present at the rally was Senator Jon Tester, who made an unannounced, unscripted appearance, without his entourage, to speak about the importance of health insurance reform. From KPAX:

Fellow Montana Senator Jon Tester headed back to Washington on Monday, but before leaving he talked about why the President will speak about health care reform before a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday.    

"I think what it speaks of is the urgency. I mean that I think we have our work cut out for us. We know what we need to do. Now we need to sit down and design a program that works and I think the president wants to see us do that and I think he's going to be pushing us to do that and I think it's the right time to do it."

Montana director of Health Care for America Now, Molly Moody, spoke to the Great Falls Tribune about the importance of health insurance reform, as did Montana Superintendent of Schools Denise Juneau:

"We want quality and affordable health care for all Americans, and we think the reform should include a public option," [HCAN Director Molly Moody] said. "We think it can be done this year, but it will take a lot of will of the people. We want them to keep sharing their stories."

Montana Superintendent of Schools Denise Juneau said history shows that strong public pressure and support can produce results when it comes to health care policy.

"Look at CHIPS (A health care program for low income children)," she said. "Because there was strong public support, that program was expanded for our youngest and most vulnerable. Now we need to expand it for all members of the family."

The high cost of health care and health insurance is an issue school districts across the state struggle with, Juneau said.

"In collective bargaining negotiations over salaries, health insurance premiums are always a piece of that," she said. "We need reform so that prices can be reduced and salaries can go up. We need lawmakers to look at the big picture view when it comes to aspects of healthcare that need to be changed."

With your help, and a few more barbecues, we will see the change that we've been working so hard towards. As Tom Petty sang on Monday, We won't back down.