Posted on 03/22/2003 8:52:51 PM PST by BlueOneGolf
It was a beautiful sunny day in south Metro Louisville at the Millcreek VFW Post #5421 as nearly 800 people showed up to rally for America and to support our fighting men and women. The event was organized by Scott Fitzgerald, a 9 year Navy veteran and morning radio personality on AM 840 WHAS. Thanks to the Millcreek VFW Post #5421 on Lower Hunter's Trace for providing the venue. The crowd was enthusiastic and proud to stand up as Patriots to honor our military fighting on our behalf. Color guards were provided by the VFW and the local Navy Reserve unit.
Speakers at the Rally included Kentucky's Adjutant General, Congressman Ken Lucas (R-KY 4th District), Congresswoman Anne Northup (R-KY 3rd District), State Senator Dan Seum (R-Louisville), Louisville Metro Councilman Doug Hawkins (R-25th District) and various VFW officials. Mr. Hawkins spent a significant amount of his own money to have 3000 "Support Our Troops" yard signs printed and handed out for free to the crowd because other printers in town have been selling them. Thank you Councilman Hawkins!
The most moving part of the Rally were the 50 or so family members who stepped to the mike to say a few words about their relatives and spouses deployed to the Middle East. Touching moments. Each of those folks got rounds of applause. As the Rally concluded, a rifle honor squad from the KY National Gaurd rendered a 21 gun salute in honor of those who have alredy fallen in the defense of our freedom as a bugler played "Taps". Afterwards the large contingent of Veteran's motorcycle riding club members announced a mass ride to downtown Louisville where they conducted their own Rally for the Troops in the same park where the war protestors had gathered as recently as Thursday! The bikers were a much better behaved crowd I'm sure. Overall a tremendously positive event at the VFW which stood in stark contrast to the hateful war protests that have polluted our streets and our television screens. Thank you Louisville for showing your support of our Armed Forces. They know we're behind them 100%. Godspeed and success in their missions.
I lived on Cane Run road in Shively for a short while years ago, and I still remember many of the fine folks around there. (even if I can't remember their names) Good people, good town.
Sorry to have been so scarce lately, have been so busy. But, tell you what, this is finally taking off and I am so proud to have been involved with folks like you who are making sure our troops know we are here. Some FR folks and lurkers may not know how much work is involved to do this every week, to make signs, to go to corners or Rallies, take photos, write reports, publish, post, and follow-up, then put up with the hassles of the peaceniks. Then, go to your day job. Folks like you are sticking like glue to our enlisted. THANKS! And, keep Rolling. FReepers are another of America's treasures.
PS, Our state passed a Support Our Troops resolution last week! HOOOHOOO!
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