[Blood of Tyrants]

Jeez, some good Marine please explain to this guy that there is no such thing as an ex-Marine. (but maybe his sign just wasn't big enough)

[ToriJasmine]

Bumping. I hope a lot of people join you and the Marine!

[MadelineZapeezda]

I thought you were never an ex-marine.........with the exception of scott ritter

[anymouse]

A Texas-sized ping for a new FReeper trying to get another support the troops rally going in Johnson County, TX.

[anymouse]

Marine ping

[MeekOneGOP]

Cleburne, Texas Support the Troops rally this Sunday, April 13th !

Please let me know if you want ON or OFF my Texas ping list!. . .don't be shy.
No, you don't HAVE to be a Texan to get on this list!

[deport]

Here's a story of a rally last Friday in Cleburn..... Good luck on your efforts this Sunday

Local residents rally for troopsBy Brian Wilson/Times-Review Writer

Johnson County residents who gathered at Yellow Jackets Stadium on Friday had a message for the troops fighting to overthrow Saddam Hussein: We are behind you.

That much seemed clear from the flag waving, singing and enthusiastic applause after public officials and veterans shared words of praise for the sacrifice of the troops.

"Words almost fail me when I speak to heroes. So you'll forgive me if I have to write them down, Randy James, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Survivor of Iwo Jima, said as he looked out at veterans.

The veterans scattered among the estimated 400-500 in attendance were heroes, he said.

And the rest of the residents who came to the "Salute Our Troops" rally let them know how thankful they were for them as they were recognized. A veteran of Pearl Harbor received an extended ovation as he was singled out.

James delivered a message of faith, his voice periodically cracking with emotion. And he asked for those in attendance to encourage the troops with cards thanking them for their service.

"They're hearing you over there tonight," he said.

The ceremony, which lasted just less than two hours, was filled with emotion, with many in attendance connected to someone fighting.

From Cleburne High School Principal Justin Marchel singing "God Bless the USA" while those gathered waived little U.S. flags, to the prayers for the troops, those at the stadium paid tribute to those fighting in the war zone.

But the night was not without its light moments.

"Had a report earlier that we dropped a couple of bunker busters and President Bush got on the phone with President Hussein and said: 'can you hear me now?'" Ed Morgan of the Johnson county Veterans Council Joked. "I think he can."

The American Red Cross also collected goods to send to the troops and donations to help cover the $2 a pound it costs to ship items to the troops. Ken Peters Jr. also led a ceremony for prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action.

Public officials unable to attend, state Rep. Arlene Wohlgemuth, R-Burleson, state Sen. Kip Averitt, R-McGregor, and U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Ennis, sent letters expressing their gratitude to the troops fighting to overthrow Hussein and to Cleburne for having the rally.

Brian Wilson can be reached at 817-645-2441 or at

bwilson@trcle.com

http://www.cleburnetimesreview.com/articles/2003/04/09/news/local_news/news10.txt

[archy]

I'm a former Cleburne inhabitant, from back in the days when the now-closed ATSF Railroad shops were still active. But I do miss the place, having chased work up to the Memphis, TN area for the last 5 years or so.

It's about a 600-mile drive, and I'll have to be back in Memphis by Monday. But if I can make it there, I will.

-archy-/-

[Squantos]

BTTT

[KSCITYBOY]

bump

[proud_american6]

To Lone Ex-Marine~ You are always going to be a Marine. We owe you so very much. And your son as well. All I can do is thank you so much for keeping our country safe, our people safe. You put your life on the line for us and for that we can never repay you. You should stand proud and your son and all the troops. God bless all of you! Thank you for our freedom!! I do hope this gets to you as I have never done this before.