Pro troop rally TODAY in Killeen, TEXAS

Killeen Daily Herald ^ | 2/18/03 | Lisa Soule

[centexan]

On the heels of this past weekend’s worldwide anti-war protests, local leaders are hoping Killeen and the surrounding communities will gather today for a massive show of support for Fort Hood soldiers. A patriotic rally titled “Our Soldiers, Our Neighbors, Our Freedom” is set for 5:30 p.m. today at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center. The public is invited and encouraged to bring hand-made signs and banners.

Eight mayors representing cities from Gatesville to Salado will take the stage. U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards will be the principal speaker and country singer Larry Gatlin will entertain.

With about one-third of Fort Hood soldiers expected to deploy soon, area chambers of commerce have banded together in this regional effort. More than 40 local businesses and individuals underwrote the rally’s expenses.

“This is not an attempt to get into a contest with other cities,” said Ralph Gauer, committee member for the freedom rally.

“We know Central Texans love and respect Fort Hood, its soldiers and their families. We hope they make that affection very visible.”

In planning the event, Gauer said organizers made a decision not to ask anything of Fort Hood.

“Normally they bring the flags or the color guard,” Gauer said. “This time, we did not want to ask for anything. We just invite all the 42,000 soldiers and their 76,000 family members.”

After spending 32 years in the Army, Gauer said he understands what it’s like to leave. “We should be supportive of those neighbors who wear our nations uniforms. The message is — we are here to support you and help your family should you go away. And we will be here to welcome you when you all come home.”

Phyllis Gogue, vice president of economic development for the Greater Killeen Area Chamber of Commerce, said about 5,000 people attended a similar rally at Leo Buckley Stadium before Desert Storm.

Gauer said this rally may also draw such a crowd. “It’s entirely possible there will be 5,000 folks there,” he said. “We’ve arranged to have the audio portion broadcast outside.”

Killeen Mayor Maureen Jouett will speak on behalf of area mayors and Fort Hood’s new commander, Lt. Gen. Thomas Metz, will deliver greetings from the post.

The Copperas Cove High School stage band will kick off the event. Students from Temple, Harker Heights, Ellison and Shoemaker high schools will also participate in the program

[centexan]

If you live in the Central Texas area, please come out and show your support for our neighbors and friends as they begin to deploy.

[jonsie]

My son is arriving today in Killeen to report to his first duty station as he just finished his training as an Army medic. I am so glad he will be at a place that supports him. He just left his home in NC and we watched the protests on tv. He knows most are peacnik nuts and don't represent most of America.

[centexan]

He will be very welcome and supported here. Local merchants and civic leaders are working on ideas to help families staying in the area, i.e lawn mowing, car repair, etc. He'll be around good folks.

[buffyt]

GOD BLESS YOU AND THE TROOPS!

Pro America Rally Bump.

[jonsie]

Thanks, I know he is in good hands. He likes Texas and loves the Army.

[Winfield]

Any ideas as to what we can do across this nation (short of calling marches on Washington, etc) to show our support of the USA and President Bush? There has to be some way of showing that 63% support of the President, and making the world and media stand up and take notice.

[centexan]

I was there for them and I was there for you. Try it some time. You'll like it. They will never forget. ETN-2, USN, 1967-70

God bless you for your service then and now. You know how much this means to the soldiers and their families.

[W04Man]

Winfield, see this thread for the March 1 Patriots Rally. One planned for DC and others likely to develope.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/845256/posts?page=51

[centexan]

Pro troop bump!

[GailA]

Way to go. Make Yellow Ribbons to pass out between now and then. I know many folks don't like them. BUT they are recognized by many as symbol of supporting our Troops from the first Gulf War.

Most people won't go out of their way to make or acquire them. BUT if you give them away they will take and wear them. I gave out 2 yesterday, 1 to a man's who son was up at Ft Bragg. And 1 today. They were very glad to get them and thanked me for it.

[centexan]

One local company provides free "We Support Our Soldiers" signs to the community. I need some ideas for hand made signs.

[centexan]

Anti Cheese eatin' surrender monkey bump

Pro troops BTTT

[centexan]

Support the troops bump!

[TxBec]

Did you go? I wanted to, but had a lot of loose ends to tie up around here..