Capacity Crowd Thursday to Hear North (MORE PHOTOS)

(OLIVER NORTH W/OFFICIALS FROM EFFINGHAM, IROQUOIS, CHRISTIAN AND MERCER COUNTIES WHO HAVE PASSED FIREARMS SANCTUARY LEGISLATION. 33 COUNTIES HAVE NOW PASSED SUCH LEGISLATION)

The Thelma Keller Convention Center ballrooms were jampacked Thursday night to hear retired Marine and FOX News contributor Oliver North. 

North, the new president of the National Rifle Association, was in town in part on behalf of the local Republican state representative candidates, but also to promote traditional values in the face of a changing world.

(ST. REP. JEANNE IVES WAS AMONG THE PRESENTERS)

North discussed "situational awareness"...knowing what's going on around you and how to deal with it. He discussed his 17 grandchildren and wondered aloud what kind of future awaits them.

He began with a focus on the Declaration of Independence and the fact that it was agreed to on the 2nd of July. As North put it..."great stuff; just off by a couple of days". The actual vote on the Declaration was on the 4th.

(A CAPACITY CROWD WAS ON HAND THURSDAY NIGHT)

About a half-dozen protesters were on hand ahead of Thursday's event. Local police present in case of any problems said there was a "civil discourse" between protesters and attendees...the attendees saying they appreciated the protesters' differing point of view, the protesters shaking hands with the attendees.

Adam Andrzejewski of "Open the Books" was on hand and took note of World War II veterans present. 

St. Rep. Jeanne Ives, who gave Bruce Rauner a run for his money in the Republican gubernatorial primary earlier this year, introduced representative candidates Blaine Wilhour, Darren Bailey and Chris Miller.

Conservative commentator Dan Profft served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.