Mar 28, 2003 By Patty Shultz 2 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Robert Ruggieri is on a mission and he is extending an invitation for others to join with him. “I am tired of watching these protestors carrying signs with the president’s likeness with a circle and a slash through it and our country’s flag with a question mark on it,” said the Green Street resident. “We have soldiers fighting in Iraq and their families here at home in fear they may not come back; this is not fair to them.

“It’s time for us that support the president and our country and especially our troops to stand up and say so.”

Tomorrow, Ruggieri plans to hold a rally in support of the men and women serving in the Persian Gulf Region beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Connellsville Shop ‘N Save parking lot.

The rally plans initiated after he spent several afternoons walking along the streets with his American flag and talking to others about his beliefs.

“People have come up to me and shook my hand,” he said. “Only once or twice has something negative been said or done.”

His girlfriend, Heather Nativio, joined him one afternoon on the city’s West Side and was approached by a young girl with a brother in the Army and serving overseas. Later, the youngster and her mother approached the couple.

“She had tears in her eyes and told us she very much appreciated what we were doing because there was so many other rallies that were protesting the war and in turn, her son,” said Nativio.

Ruggieri said a sergeant with the National Guard stopped him one day and inquired of his effort and after he shared his thoughts the soldier thanked and saluted him.

“There’s a lot of people out there that feel the same way I do,” he said. “No one likes war, but sometimes the road to peace has to cross the rough terrain of war.”

His support of the U.S. forces can also be seen on the family’s front lawn of the Green Street home. A newly installed flagpole is surrounded by smaller versions of the flag while other displays feature yellow ribbons and a tribute to those that were killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack.

Ruggieri is hoping for a large turnout at the Saturday event.

“We’re inviting everyone to join us,” he said.