The Lone Ex-marine

4/8/03 | self

[whipitgood]

I spotted the guy last Sunday, standing on the corner near the Johnson County Courthouse. At first, I didn't know what he was doing there. Then I saw the sign board, and the patriotic shirt, and the small American flags he was holding. The sign said, "EX-MARINE-I SUPPORT THE TROOPS" and gave a list of the places he had served as a Marine. I honked, waved, and gave him a salute as well as I could from the front seat of my car. He returned the salute, and waved. I drove on when the light turned green. I returned a few minutes later, parked my car, and walked over to him to thank him for his service. Turns out he has a 19-year old son serving in Iraq. He said, "With all the coverage the anti-war protesters are getting, I had to do SOMETHING!" He said he was going to be there every Sunday at noon until the war is over. I will be joining him this Sunday the 13th at the Johnson County Courthouse in downtown Cleburne, Texas. Any FReepers who would like to support the troops at an unofficial rally are welcome to join.

[Blood of Tyrants]

Jeez, some good Marine please explain to this guy that there is no such thing as an ex-Marine. (but maybe his sign just wasn't big enough)

[ToriJasmine]

Bumping. I hope a lot of people join you and the Marine!

[MadelineZapeezda]

I thought you were never an ex-marine.........with the exception of scott ritter

[whipitgood]

That's how he referred to himself. He certainly seemed ready for anything. I will be there at noon Sunday.

[Nagilum]

Even Scott ridder is still a Marine...he may have lost his way, but it doens't change the fact that he served with the best.

[whipitgood]

BTW that title should be "The Lone ex-Marine".

[Mo1]

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[Birdiegirl]

Big bump for Cleburne!

[anymouse]

A Texas-sized ping for a new FReeper trying to get another support the troops rally going in Johnson County, TX.

[anymouse]

Marine ping

[MeekOneGOP]

Cleburne, Texas Support the Troops rally this Sunday, April 13th !

Please let me know if you want ON or OFF my Texas ping list!. . .don't be shy.
No, you don't HAVE to be a Texan to get on this list!

[MeekOneGOP]

Thanks ! My uncle lived in Cleburne up until his death last year. He was an old Army guy !

[deport]

Here's a story of a rally last Friday in Cleburn..... Good luck on your efforts this Sunday

Local residents rally for troopsBy Brian Wilson/Times-Review Writer

Johnson County residents who gathered at Yellow Jackets Stadium on Friday had a message for the troops fighting to overthrow Saddam Hussein: We are behind you.

That much seemed clear from the flag waving, singing and enthusiastic applause after public officials and veterans shared words of praise for the sacrifice of the troops.

"Words almost fail me when I speak to heroes. So you'll forgive me if I have to write them down, Randy James, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Survivor of Iwo Jima, said as he looked out at veterans.

The veterans scattered among the estimated 400-500 in attendance were heroes, he said.

And the rest of the residents who came to the "Salute Our Troops" rally let them know how thankful they were for them as they were recognized. A veteran of Pearl Harbor received an extended ovation as he was singled out.

James delivered a message of faith, his voice periodically cracking with emotion. And he asked for those in attendance to encourage the troops with cards thanking them for their service.

"They're hearing you over there tonight," he said.

The ceremony, which lasted just less than two hours, was filled with emotion, with many in attendance connected to someone fighting.

From Cleburne High School Principal Justin Marchel singing "God Bless the USA" while those gathered waived little U.S. flags, to the prayers for the troops, those at the stadium paid tribute to those fighting in the war zone.

But the night was not without its light moments.

"Had a report earlier that we dropped a couple of bunker busters and President Bush got on the phone with President Hussein and said: 'can you hear me now?'" Ed Morgan of the Johnson county Veterans Council Joked. "I think he can."

The American Red Cross also collected goods to send to the troops and donations to help cover the $2 a pound it costs to ship items to the troops. Ken Peters Jr. also led a ceremony for prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action.

Public officials unable to attend, state Rep. Arlene Wohlgemuth, R-Burleson, state Sen. Kip Averitt, R-McGregor, and U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Ennis, sent letters expressing their gratitude to the troops fighting to overthrow Hussein and to Cleburne for having the rally.

Brian Wilson can be reached at 817-645-2441 or at

bwilson@trcle.com

http://www.cleburnetimesreview.com/articles/2003/04/09/news/local_news/news10.txt

[archy]

I'm a former Cleburne inhabitant, from back in the days when the now-closed ATSF Railroad shops were still active. But I do miss the place, having chased work up to the Memphis, TN area for the last 5 years or so.

It's about a 600-mile drive, and I'll have to be back in Memphis by Monday. But if I can make it there, I will.

-archy-/-

[Texagirl4W]

Travel safely, friend. As the saying goes, don't drive faster than your guardian angel can fly.

[Squantos]

BTTT

[TexasCowboy]

Well, heck!
Now I gotta find out how far it is to Cleburn!
Then there'll be two inactive duty Marines standing on that corner!

[Squantos]

Thank You Friend...........Thanks for being there when I can not ..........this time. Tell that Marine that I'm proud of him and his son as I am of all those who have served their country , past present and future......including the owner of that new .50 caliber Barrett !!

Stay Safe !