Residents rally in support of troops (Greenwich, CT)

Greenwich Time ^ | March 23, 2003 | By Ivan H. Golden

[Koblenz]

More than 200 residents rallied yesterday on Greenwich Avenue, waving flags, signs and banners to show support for American troops on the battlefield in Iraq.

Most demonstrators said they are not pro-war. Instead, they simply wanted to rebut the numerous anti-war rallies that have been staged around the country in recent weeks, they said.

"We're not here to support war," said Gary Belmonte, 57, a Greenwich resident and Vietnam veteran. "We're here to support the troops."

Several demonstrators, including Belmonte, said they feared the anti-war protests would send a message to troops that Americans do not support them.

[Koblenz]

This is from Connecticut, albeit Greenwich. Bergstresser is a Democrat, and is the first selectman, sort of similar to mayor or city council president. He won in the last election against a fairly incompetent Republican.

This was the lead article in today's paper.

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

As a former resident and member of the RTM I salute Greenwich and report that the entire country is awakening in one giant human wave.

[Rodney King]

I was too. It's amazing how little gets done in that body for all the cumulative time spent by the members.

[A Navy Vet]

Photos anywhere?

[Koblenz]

Well, they've got what, 250 members or so on the RTM (Representative Town Meeting). Kind of makes it difficult to do much of anything...

[LongsforReagan]

Hey Rodney (Gordon), sorry i missed it. Stamford here.