her father, Tom, both of Jefferson City, during
Saturday's rally at the Capitol to support American
troops.
Shaun Zimmerman / News Tribune
Posted on 03/23/2003 7:23:40 AM PST by SavageRepublican
To show support for the U.S. troops fighting in Iraq, more than 2,500 Mid-Missourians packed the grounds of the Missouri State Capitol on Saturday, displaying all manner of patriotic signs, banners, flags and political bunting.
Security measures -- such as metal detectors, extra law enforcement and temporary fencing -- were used to ensure a peaceful assembly. However, the crowd was placid and no disturbances were reported.
Col. Don Ballard, a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor who served in Vietnam, began his remarks by saluting the nation's veterans. Ballard said in the days leading to the war in Iraq, he wrestled with thoughts regarding the war. In the end, he concluded: "I had to depend on our politicians to make those decisions. I would say they did a pretty damn good job."
Ballard noted that war is ugly, but a nation's complacency is worse. "The way we (soldiers returning from Vietnam) were treated was deplorable," he said, taking a verbal swipe at Jane Fonda and other protesters who opposed the Vietnam War.
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Ballard also noted he held mixed emotions regarding the protests held worldwide. He said protesters have a right to a free press. He said their opinions ought to be expressed "in a way that's not demeaning to our country."
He was pleased to see many young people attending the event.
"We've got to sell America on supporting America. If we don't do it, who will?" he questioned. "We need to educate the protesters who don't have a clue what is going on."
And he said Mid-Missourians have another obligation: to support U.S. troops when they return home, with appropriate veterans' benefits.
Gov. Bob Holden (D) presented a proclamation declaring Saturday as "Support Your Troops Day" throughout Missouri.
Quoting Harry Truman addressing the U.S. Congress at the draw of World War II, Holden said a soldier's debt "can never be repaid and Americans will never forget their sacrifices."
Sen. Jim Talent, R-Missouri, Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-9th District, and Rep. Ike Skelton, D-4th District, also spoke.
Talent, who was traveling around the state, commended the event's organizers for inspiring similar events in other Missouri cities. "We have the finest men and women who have ever served in any military, anywhere. We're going to support them, whatever they encounter," he said.
Noting that he believes Saddam Hussein to be bloodthirsty and ruthless, Talent said he was convinced the war was right and just. He also predicted that this century will offer a greater degree of freedom and opportunity for the world's residents.
Hulshof said the war marks "a new dawn of prosperity for the Iraqi people."
Skelton noted he's proud that two American naval ships -- the USS Harry Truman and the USS Jefferson City -- share Missouri namesakes.
Quoting the Roman orator, Cicero, Skelton said: "Gratitude is the greatest virtue of all."
And he saluted the many veterans who have inspired the men and women of today's military: "They are the ones who mentored today's young military, who are doing such an extremely good job."
Skelton, the ranking Democrat on the Subcommittee on Military Procurement, also asked the crowd to keep in mind families who may be worried about a loved one serving overseas. "It's easy to come to a rally in time of conflict. We also need to hold rallies for them in times of peace," he said.
Rev. John Kerr, whose daughter deploys next week, opened the assembly with prayer and gave the benediction.
Kerr said wishing for an end to Hussein's hateful reign won't make it happen. Responding to the many world religious leaders who oppose the war, Kerr noted that at other junctures in history, the church has stood on the wrong side of world events. "It is because of faith that our country was founded," he said.
When Kerr mentioned President Bush, a cheer erupted from the crowd. "He's willing to make a stand. He knows he can't go it alone, that's why Congress also supported this war with resolutions," he said.
Kerr said listeners could help the war effort by donating blood, volunteering in their communities, sending care packages, adopting military families and praying for both American soldiers and the Iraqi people.
After being forced to listen to all the screaming anti-Americans up in Columbia (30 miles north of Jeff City...I work at the University up there), it was nice to go to an event like this where the "grown-ups" were!
The tone of the entire rally was extremely positive, there were lots of families there (the kids were having a ball!), and everyone was very friendly. There were no disruptors, as far as I could tell, and there didn't even appear to be any peacenik protestors there. I was amazed at that, and very happy.
The only trouble I had was that I got really sunburned!!!! God blessed us with beautiful weather!
This was a beautiful rally! What a sea of red, white and blue.
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