Flags fly high as local officials drum up support for troops
Hundreds of American flags lined the front lawn and the driveway into Penn State Fayette on Friday as people gathered to rally for the troops fighting in Iraq. The rally, attended by both members of the public and those affiliated with the school, capped a week of events themed “Operation Love Our Troops.”
Jennifer Bowers, who helped organize the rally, urged those who attended to cease the debate on whether the war is right and support the troops in the Middle East.
Christian Sims, 19, who came to the rally with a friend, said she agrees with that sentiment wholeheartedly.
“Right now, the soldiers need to know that Americans are behind them. If they don’t feel that way, then they will lose morale,” she said.
The county commissioners and state Sen. Richard Kasunic (D-Dunbar) offered similar words of advice to students, encouraging those in attendance to support President Bush.
“Whether you believe in his agenda politically or philosophically, he is our commander in chief and he needs us now more than ever,” said Kasunic.
Kasunic also told those gathered that they should recognize how lucky they are to be able to gather and offer their opinions.
“Do you think the people of Iraq could be doing this today?” he asked.
He noted that U.S. troops were deployed to the Middle East so that one day, those people could have a voice as well.
He also asked the students not to forget that the United States didn’t want to go to war with Iraq.
He said U.S. leaders tried to go the diplomatic route with Iraq through the United Nations, but Iraq refused to cooperating, leaving Bush with no other option but war.
“Saddam led us down a road of destruction and death, first with his people, now with ours,” said Kasunic.
Commissioner Ronald M. Nehls said that, as such a powerful nation, the United States is in a position of responsibility to help free the people of Iraq. He also told students to think often of the men and women fighting, remembering the fear in their eyes and the love in their hearts.
Pointing to his son, and other children attending from the Cub’s Den, Penn State’s daycare center, Commissioner Sean M. Cavanagh said that people need to remember that children are the nation’s future.
“Our troops are fighting for our future,” said Cavanagh.
Commission Chairman Vincent A. Vicites also reminded students to observe holidays dedicated to those who fought in wars.