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Florida Governor Speaks To 15,000 At Troop Rally
AP ^
Posted on 04/06/2003 4:09:46 AM PDT by Retired Chemist
CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) -- More than 15,000 people packed a waterfront park Saturday, many waving American flags and patriotic signs, as speakers including Gov. Jeb Bush showed their support for the troops fighting in Iraq. The military men and women are "the next greatest generation," Bush said. "Each generation has its defining moments," said Bush, the president's younger brother. "This generation's legacy is being written now, on the seas and in sands of the Middle East." The Rally for America was the latest in a series of such gatherings across the country inspired by syndicated radio talk show host Glenn Beck, who was looking for a way to counter anti-war rallies. "We are here for those people who are in the desert right now," Beck told the crowd. "They are fighting fights that our children won't have to fight later."
TOPICS: News/Current Events; US: Florida
KEYWORDS: april5reports; clearwater; swupportourtroops
To: Retired Chemist
By my count, the journalist lists 3 pro troops rallies, but also mentions 5 anti-war rallies, even though he makes note of the small crowds at the anti-war rallies.
2
posted on
04/06/2003 4:51:25 AM PDT
by
dawn53
To: Retired Chemist
Sheryl Greenlee, left, from Tampa, clutches an American flag while Wayne Greulich, from Sarasota, wraps himself in the colors during "The Rally for America," Saturday, April 5, 2003, at Coachman Park in Clearwater.
Conflict with Iraq: Gov. Bush speaks to 15,000 at 'Rally for America'
Sunday, April 6, 2003
By MITCH STACY, Associated Press
CLEARWATER More than 15,000 people, many waving American flags and hand-lettered patriotic signs, packed a waterfront park Saturday morning to hear Gov. Jeb Bush and others offer encouraging words for the troops fighting in Iraq and their families.
The raucous "Rally for America" at sunny Coachman Park was the latest in a series of such gatherings around the country inspired by syndicated radio talk show host Glenn Beck, who was looking for a way to counter anti-war demonstrations.
Beck was there, but
the loudest cheers were reserved for the governor, who called the fighting men and women "the next greatest generation."
"Each generation has its defining moments," said Bush, younger brother of the president. "This generation's legacy is being written now, on the seas and in sands of the Middle East. This is our fight, it is our time, and I know our soldiers and airmen are up to the challenge." The crowd cheered every mention of President Bush, and the governor said he planned to call his brother this weekend to tell him about the rally.
"He's holding up well," Gov. Bush said afterward. "I think he's determined. I know he feels the burden, but I do believe he's at peace."
Bush also recognized the four Floridians who've been killed in action in the conflict, and said he called each one of their families to offer comfort. He called it "the hardest thing I've ever done in my life."
Beck, heard on more than 100 stations around the country, told the crowd that the troops could "hear your voice and feel your strength."
"We are here for those people who are in the desert right now," he said. "They are fighting fights that our children won't have to fight later."
Joan McCaffery of New Port Richey stood among the crowd hoisting a sign pasted with photos of her son, 21-year-old Marine Cpl. Matthew McCaffery. He's fighting in Iraq, and she hasn't heard from him in about three weeks.
"It's for them, so they know we're standing behind them," she said. "There's been too little support in the past, and they just need to know that we stand behind them, we love them, we care about them and we want them to come home safe.
"I miss him. I just can't wait till he comes home." Kara Walters, 27, of Tampa came with 11 members of her family. Her brother, Wade, is in the Army and is being deployed to Iraq soon.
"We have to support the troops. This is not another Vietnam," she said. "Whether you're for the war or against the war, you've got to be here. It's happening. You can't change it."
In Orlando Saturday, Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings and Secretary of State Glenda Hood met with family members of deployed National Guardsmen in a show of support for Operation Home Fires. The faith-based community program helps soldiers' families by providing gift certificates for groceries, teddy bears for children and emotional counseling.
Also in central Florida, a small anti-war rally was held without any signs of the conflict that marred a recent event.
When members of PeaceOrlando met at a downtown intersection on March 29 to holds signs criticizing the war and President Bush, a convoy of motorcyclists egged on by a local talk-radio host responded with deafening engines. There also were accusations that the motorcyclists threw rocks.
Saturday's rally of about 40 people was peaceful, with anti-war protesters even sharing the same street corner with those supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. "A lot of people somehow can't separate patriotism with demonstrating against the war," said Carl Carlander, a 63-year-old former Marine who opposes military action. "They think if you're out here, you're anti-American, pro-Saddam. That's not the case."
3
posted on
04/06/2003 8:07:12 AM PDT
by
summer
To: caltrop
Bush also recognized the four Floridians who've been killed in action in the conflict, and said he called each one of their families to offer comfort. He called it "the hardest thing I've ever done in my life."
FYI.
4
posted on
04/06/2003 8:10:29 AM PDT
by
summer
To: MeeknMing; cake_crumb
FYI. I have purposely not been pinging people as of late, so please do not think I have forgotten you. I just need a break. Thanks for understanding. :)
5
posted on
04/06/2003 8:11:39 AM PDT
by
summer
To: MeeknMing; cake_crumb
PS The few people I had pinged were those who had posted to me recently, but that was all I pinged. I support our troops and the president, but talking about war for long is just not something I can do. I pray for our soldiers and their families, and I trust there will be a longterm peace when this is over. And, I believe the men and women who gave their lives in this war gave their lives to protect the freedom of all of us here in the USA and those who love freedom around the world. They did not die in vain. They made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. IMO, they are saints.
6
posted on
04/06/2003 8:16:48 AM PDT
by
summer
To: summer
I figured as much. I understand. :O)
7
posted on
04/06/2003 8:17:06 AM PDT
by
MeekOneGOP
(Bu-bye Saddam! / Check out my Freeper site !: http://home.attbi.com/~freeper/wsb/index.html)
To: MeeknMing; cake_crumb
PSS And, of course, the brave men and women I am talking about are the ones who are on the side of the USA -- the ones who care about freedom and liberty for us here in this country, and for all people.
8
posted on
04/06/2003 8:20:05 AM PDT
by
summer
To: summer
Good to hear from you. Take care.
To: MeeknMing
Thanks so much, MeeknMing. I'll be back.
10
posted on
04/06/2003 8:20:24 AM PDT
by
summer
To: Tijeras_Slim
Thanks very much, Tijeras Slim. In fact, I am going to church right now. God bless America,m our troops, our president, and of course, FL's Favorite Gov. :)
11
posted on
04/06/2003 8:21:10 AM PDT
by
summer
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