Rally Honors Servicemen, Women

A relatively small but appreciative group turned out for a “Operation Yellow Ribbon” rally May 17 to show support for U.S. military personnel-one of scores of such events staged across the country to coincide with Armed Forces Day.

The local event was organized by Louise Skipper whose son had been stationed in Iraq before he surprised her by arriving home two weeks earlier-on Mother’s Day. (Her account appeared in a letter to the editor in this newspaper last week.)

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Mrs. Skipper had already begun planning the rally on the Square under the auspices of “Operation Military Pride” an organization that supports U.S. Forces worldwide. The central “Yellow Ribbon” event was a rally near the Lincoln Memorial that was to last all day Saturday.

The local event featured brief talks, patriotic music and prayers climaxed by release of yellow balloons, many inscribed with the names of friends or loved ones by those in the audience. Many purchased patriotic items offered for sale with proceeds to support the effort.

Participants included Boy Scout Troop 331, whose color guard posted the colors to open the ceremony. Speakers included Sheriff Charles Roper and educator Evern Williams. Sierra Cobb, “Little Miss Fawn” recited a poem about the flag.

Chendra Williams sang the national anthem. Other soloists included Bethany Lee, “God Bless America,” Akelia Tripp, “Flag of the Free,” Connie Marks, “America the Beautiful,” and Amey Davis, “I’m Proud To Be An American.” All were accompanied by Les Steele who also performed a solo rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”