Posted on 06/25/2003 1:51:43 PM PDT by eyespysomething
In a stunning show of support, Baldwin County residents let their patriotism shine through as evidenced in the five photos above. Inspirational speakers, including veterans Lovett Briggs (above left) and Jake Goldstein (bottom left) delivered impassioned words of encouragement for Baldwin County's - and America's - sons and daughters ensuring our continued freedom.
Photos and Story By Pam Beer
Jean Peecher saw her dream come true Saturday in front of the Baldwin County Courthouse downtown as a crowd of more than 100 people joined her in a "Rally For America." Only two people present held up signs protesting America's involvement in the war.
Peecher, an employee at Georgia Military College, organized the rally as a means of showing support for the American troops. A color guard from Georgia Military College posted the colors, and Butch Horton, a war veteran, sang several songs.
Peecher addressed the assembled crowd and said, "I don't think anyone wants our soldiers to go to war...but I'm going to quote President Teddy Roosevelt because I think this is exactly what we're faced with today. (He said) 'If I must choose between righteousness and peace, I choose righteousness.'
"The men and women of our military deserve our support, our love, and our prayers," she said, "I'm worried that when they see news reports of the antiwar protests that they confuse what may very well be well intended statements of peace with criticisms of themselves. I'm worried that they can't separate statements against their mission from statements against them. I want them to know that we do support them, we do love them, and we are praying for them. We support them and their mission, and it's a righteous mission."
Peecher said that U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss was unable to attend, and read from a letter he sent to her. "Sen. Chambliss said he was proud that we were doing this today. He said, you know, all we hear about are these folks who are protesting against what the president is doing to...protect Americans. Thank goodness for people like you who appreciate good statesmanship and strong leadership."
Following are excerpts from comments made by some of the participants.
Bill Massee, Baldwin County Sheriff: "I'm real pleased to be here today. I feel rather inadequate when I look out here and I see people I've known my whole life that fought in the Korean War, fought in World War II, Viet Nam veterans that I grew up that are friends of mine.
"I thought about everybody who came here today, and everybody has a different reason for being here. I didn't come here for the president, I didn't come here for Congress, and I didn't come here for the Republicans or Democrats. I'm here really just to support the thousands of young people that are on planes and ships heading towards the Mideast and the many that are already over there.
"I'm here for people I know, but I'm really here for the thousands, the hundreds of thousands of young people that I don't know, that are like our high school students and our college students and our families and our friends. Wherever they are, I'm proud of them, I wish them Godspeed, and I hope God watches over them and I hope they're safe. I very much know that wherever they are, they would very much appreciate every one of you here today."
Howard Sills, Putnam County Sheriff: "I'm not here to espouse any political ideology...but I think a lot of people have forgotten that President Bush said, after Sept. 11, that our war on terror begins with al-Qa'ida but it does not end there. It will not end until every terrorist group with global reach has been found, stopped and defeated. He said Americans should...expect a lengthy campaign, unlike any other we've seen. We will pursue nations that provide aid or safe haven to terrorism. Every nation now has a decision to make - either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.
"I never served in the military...but I know what it is to send young men and women in harm's way. I know what it is to kneel on this knee and hand that flag, folded in a triangle with the stars on top, and look somebody in the eye and tell them that I have presented that flag to them on behalf of a grateful nation. These people (in the military) do this for duty, honor, country. No complaints out of any of these people. They went off to the Middle East like they're going out to the Gordon Highway. They go in our stead and we need to support them with everything we can."
Kenneth Birdsong, Chairman of the Defense and Veterans Affairs committee, Georgia House of Representatives: "Citizens of this nation have always, since the beginning of America, rallied for the cause of freedom and democracy whenever times called for it. With the proper authority, of course, they did battle; they did what had to be done to protect those freedoms. What we're going through now is war. When the terrorists came in here and took our own airplanes, and...killed more than 3,000 citizens, that is war on our own homeland and (we're not going to) put up with it.
"This war is going to affect all of us very, very much. There's no way we should turn our thoughts aside and let something happen before we go into war. We're prepared for it, and if fight we must, then we must fight to protect those freedoms that we enjoy so very much."
Andy Thomason, combat veteran: "Please continue what you're doing because nothing hurts any worse for a person serving his country than an anti (war) protestor."
Lovett Briggs, veteran of World War II, Korea, and Viet Nam: "I have to tell you up front, I am anti-war. I hate war. But it becomes a necessity. We need to support our troops in any way we can. Write letters. Send cards. Send care packages."
Jake Goldstein, combat veteran: "In my book, anybody who serves in any war is a hero. They're protecting what we take for granted. I'm asking you to remember that the things you go and pick up in your home - our soldiers don't have it. They're eating out of cans, they're sleeping on the ground, and sooner or later they're going to get shot at. So I urge you to thank God for what we have, and thank the people who will go over there and defend what we've got. Everybody doesn't have to agree with me, but when you disagree, don't do it in a manner that pulls down this country. I ask you to support our troops, support our country, thank God for what we have, and God bless America."
You joined a whole lot of others doing and saying the same thing all over the nation. CLICK HERE to see how patriotic Americans out demonstrated the leftist/liberal/marxists.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.