Supporters Brave Cold For Rally
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
American flags waved from mittened and gloved hands Saturday morning at Central Park Plaza.
A rally for the troops brought about 200 people who braved sleet and snow to show their support for military personnel involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Locally, Company A of the 1st Battalion 293rd Infantry, Indiana Army National Guardsmen, sent 122 local men assigned to the Warsaw Armory overseas.
The program began with a color presentation by an American Legion unit. In the background, along Fort Wayne Street, flags representing each military branch flew in the gusting wind.
With her long hair streaked a patriotic red, white and blue, co-organizer Shanna Goon said she wanted to hold the event for the troops.
"It's heart-warming to know people will come out on a nice, new spring day to support our troops," said Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins, who talked next. He was flanked by councilmen Jerry Patterson and Charlie Smith.
"It really hits home when we lose one of our own," Wiggins said, speaking of the late U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. David Fribley. "The people who put their lives on the line are always soldiers. They're the ones who protect our freedoms."
Master of ceremonies David Halyaman said America was involved in two wars now, the one in Iraq and one "at home" with dependents trying to keep the homefront going, who fight loneliness and financial difficulty.
Shannon Igo, wife of Sgt. Bruce Igo, said a family support group has been established.
"It's our job to take care of the families of any deployed servicemen. Anyone can be involved in the group which meets once a month," the Family Assistance Officer said.
Korean War veteran Tom Everett read a poem he wrote 12 years ago to commemorate Operation Desert Storm.
The Don Williams family sang a medley of patriotic songs. The Williamses have two sons serving the military in Iraq. Their brother, Benjamin Williams, sang "I'm Proud To Be An American" and "Daddy, I Love You."
Veterans and people with family serving in Iraq were recognized. Many displayed posters with photographs of their loved ones.
The event ended with a release of balloons. [[In-content Ad]]
Latest News
E-Editions
American flags waved from mittened and gloved hands Saturday morning at Central Park Plaza.
A rally for the troops brought about 200 people who braved sleet and snow to show their support for military personnel involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Locally, Company A of the 1st Battalion 293rd Infantry, Indiana Army National Guardsmen, sent 122 local men assigned to the Warsaw Armory overseas.
The program began with a color presentation by an American Legion unit. In the background, along Fort Wayne Street, flags representing each military branch flew in the gusting wind.
With her long hair streaked a patriotic red, white and blue, co-organizer Shanna Goon said she wanted to hold the event for the troops.
"It's heart-warming to know people will come out on a nice, new spring day to support our troops," said Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins, who talked next. He was flanked by councilmen Jerry Patterson and Charlie Smith.
"It really hits home when we lose one of our own," Wiggins said, speaking of the late U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. David Fribley. "The people who put their lives on the line are always soldiers. They're the ones who protect our freedoms."
Master of ceremonies David Halyaman said America was involved in two wars now, the one in Iraq and one "at home" with dependents trying to keep the homefront going, who fight loneliness and financial difficulty.
Shannon Igo, wife of Sgt. Bruce Igo, said a family support group has been established.
"It's our job to take care of the families of any deployed servicemen. Anyone can be involved in the group which meets once a month," the Family Assistance Officer said.
Korean War veteran Tom Everett read a poem he wrote 12 years ago to commemorate Operation Desert Storm.
The Don Williams family sang a medley of patriotic songs. The Williamses have two sons serving the military in Iraq. Their brother, Benjamin Williams, sang "I'm Proud To Be An American" and "Daddy, I Love You."
Veterans and people with family serving in Iraq were recognized. Many displayed posters with photographs of their loved ones.
The event ended with a release of balloons. [[In-content Ad]]