“Support Our Troops
Throughout our country
"Support the Troops" rallies were recently conducted to build the
morale of our military men and women who fight to protect our interest around
the world and here at home. We decided
to cover this rally before all others for a very special reason. In over 10 years of news coverage, or
better said, monitoring and reporting on local politics, we have attended
numerous political functions and meetings of both the Democratic and Republican
parties. One consistent observation was
the lack in attendance of any politically interested or concerned young
adults. Of the many rallies held in our
area, the April 6th "Support the Troops" Rally is significantly
special for this very reason. This
rally was organized, sponsored and hosted by the very concerned and astute
young adults of the Nassau County Young Republicans. Regardless of political affiliation, their organization promoted
this event as “non-partisan” in nature and extended an invitation for all to
attend and take part.
The
Rally was attended by a diverse group of Nassau County residents. Many members of the Nassau County (Chapter
10) Blue Nights Motorcycle Organization, consisting of both active and retired
law enforcement members, attended the
rally. Charles Perry, passed President
of the Blue Nights and a retired NYC Police Lieutenant, explained that many Blue
Nights are veterans and wanted to publicly show support for the troops. Members of the Valley Stream Fire
Department, led by Capt. O'Brien, created an inspiring backdrop for the rally
by exhibiting a huge American Flag from a towering ladder of the department's
truck. Members of VFW Post 3 of
Bellmore had a strong presence at the event with members Brian Evans, Scott
Rosie and Frank Colon serving as an impressive Color Guard. As Vietnam Veterans, all three men
expressed a firsthand knowledge of the importance in supporting the troops and
how it impacts their morale. Many veterans
did shed a tear as the event was started with a salute to our Flag and a pray
for our troops. Mothers, relatives and
friends, young and old, of those serving in the military, carried signs showing
their support for the troops and President Bush. Many attended just to let the families and troops know that
their sacrifice was appreciated.
Marilyn
O'Grady and Alan Skorski (both ran for political office in 2002) attended the
event. Mr. Skorski stated, "I am
particularly proud that this event was led by ‘young’ people. These are the
leaders of tomorrow. While most kids are watching television or playing
Nintendo, this group was organizing an event to support those who are making
the greatest sacrifice of all and at the same time paying tribute to those who
have already served."
A large
array of speakers, introduced by host NCYR President Nina Petraro, addressed
the audience. Local elected officials,
decorated veterans of passed wars, leaders of veterans groups, clergy and
officers of the Young Republicans were among the speakers. Each speaker expressed their admiration and
support for the troops and their appreciation for a President that had the
fortitude to stick by what he believed to be right for our nation.
You can visit the NC Young Republicans
Or See our photo gallery of the event