the sign I wore around my neck to the first rally; it made it to the newspaper

29th March 2002. 1400 hours.
The downtown Post Office. On this date, at that time, and at that location, over 1000 people gathered to show support for their country and their troops. You anti-war, anti-Bush people, take note. There are still those of us out there who believe in our country, and stand behind the President, whether or not we agree with him. More importantly, we support those brave men and women who are fighting, not just in Iraq and Kuwait, but in Afghanistan too. We gave our Vietnam Veterans the long overdue "Thank You!" and "Welcome Home!" they deserved, which more people need to do.

I wish I could remember everything that was said, because there were many powerful words spoken. Kenneth Walker, who has served in the Army for twenty-one years, said it best when he said "Love my America or get out of my America!" My gratitude to Scott and Lisa of Kicker 102.5 and Business Organization for a New Downtown for putting the rally together, and to the two Wal-Marts for providing the food the two Marines cooked. God bless you all, and God bless America!

04th May 2002. 1330 hours.
Union Station on Front Street. On this date, at that time, and at that location, a march kicked off to begin another Support The Troops rally, this one being hosted by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 278. The crowd was small, and although there were more people waiting for us at the Korea/Vietnam Memorial, I was a bit disappointed in the turnout. True the sky was overcast, but it did hold off raining until a half hour or so after the rally ended. Several parents who had a kid or two deployed spoke. Patriotic music was provided by a wonderful group (whose name I cannot remember), while Glenda Davison performed one of her songs. The Red Cross was there too, and I hope we collected a decent amount of money for them. Despite the low turnout, this too was an enjoyable rally, and it hit closer to home hearing from people I know whose kids were over there. I am thankful for those who did turn out, and God bless them all.