Posted on 04/13/2003 2:13:13 PM PDT by Diver Dave
Troop rally draws thousands to park
By DARYL FARNSWORTH
BEE STAFF WRITER
Published: April 11, 2003, 09:23:53 AM PDT
More than 2,000 people gathered for a spirited rally at Graceada Park on Thursday night in support of the troops fighting in Iraq.
One honored guest at the event was Lance Cpl. Bret Westerink, 22, of Escalon. He was wounded March 22 when a Humvee he and three other Marines were riding in near Nasiriyah was hit by an Iraqi rocket-propelled grenade. The Humvee's driver was killed and the other two passengers were seriously injured.
Westerink was introduced to a standing ovation and then event organizers presented him with a U.S. flag that once flew over the Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Many in the audience held flags and homemade signs that read: "Thank You All Military. God Bless America," "Modesto Supports Our Troops" and "Remember the POWs and MIAs."
Westerink appreciated the support shown by the crowd. "They're supporting us (troops in Iraq), so I came here tonight to support them," he said.
"I want to go back to Iraq, but I won't be going because I'm hurt," said Westerink, who is home while recuperating from a broken left leg and facial cuts.
Westerink, who has been in the Marines three years and five months, received a Purple Heart for his combat injuries.
The event, sponsored by KFIV-AM Radio, included music from local bands and a barbershop quartet.
At a rally to support U.S. troops Thursday evening, people in the crowd stand while singing patriotic songs. DEBBIE NODA/THE BEE
Lance Cpl. Bret Westerink, 22, of Escalon, wounded in Iraq, waves to the crowd at Graceada Park. DEBBIE NODA/THE BEE
…And now, the rest of the story from your biased embedded reporter…
It was a standing-room only crowd estimated by Modesto Police to be 3000 strong according to KFIV talk show host Rob Johnson the following morning on his AM Drive talk show.
Free Hot Dogs, soda, chips and 5000 American Flags were offered to rally-goers. Kiddee jump houses were set up for the children. Recorded music filled the air in preparation for the program which began near the 6 pm hour.
Live music began the program featuring a barbershop quartet, another men’s quartet from First Baptist Church singing “Somebody Brave,” written by Modesto residents, Lin Sexton and Tom Payne. A live band also warmed up the audience for the upcoming program. Carol Channing was welcomed to Modesto with applause as she sang “Hello Dolly.”
A local Cub Scout led the patriotic audience in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the National Anthem. As the words, “…And the home of the brave” were sung by the audience and worship team from Calvary Temple, a flock of white doves were released from the up stage area.
Host Johnson then asked all family members of service personnel serving in theater to stand and be recognized for each branch of the service. This was followed by the recognition of veterans. A Moment of Silence to honor the fallen brought forth a hush from the crowd which ended as a lone bugler played “Taps.”
The presentation of an American Flag was presented to L/CPL Bret Westerink. Westerink was suffered a broken leg and shrapnel wounds when the humvee in which he was riding was hit by a rocket propelled grenade. One fellow Marine died and others were wounded in that conflict in the early days of the war.
Three American citizens who escaped the tyranny of the Saddam regime shared their stories. One gentleman, who served in the Iraqi Army during the Iran/Iraq War, kissed the small American Flags he held as he was introduced. He ended his address with, “God Bless the United States Military, the United States of America, and President George Bush,” which drew a huge ovation from the audience. The program ended with a prayer and the singing of “God Bless America.”
LOL! No joke! :)
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