At least 200 people gathered at the front of the Wheeler
Community Center Friday afternoon at a rally meant to show support
for U.S. troops serving in the conflict with Iraq and for President
George Bush.
Crowd waved flags and sang national anthem in support of U.S. troops and President Bush Friday
GILROY – At least 200 people gathered at the front of the Wheeler Community Center Friday afternoon at a rally meant to show support for U.S. troops serving in the conflict with Iraq and for President George Bush.
Event organizer Mark Zappa told the crowd that after watching countless hours of footage of the troops in action, he has never felt more proud.
“This is for you and your loved ones, who we respect greatly,” he said.
Attendees waved American flags of all sizes and held professionally printed signs reading “Support Our Troops” and “God Bless America” as well as hand-crafted ones. Large yellow ribbons were tied around trees in the building’s front yard.
Brenda Klassen held an elaborate sign adorned with the words “We Owe Them” and pictures of troops in action. One photo showed a solider standing at salute over a flag-draped coffin.
“Some gave all,” read the caption.
As a Veterans of Foreign Wars color guard looked on, many in the crowd joined in renditions of the national anthem and other patriotic songs such as “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America.” Karen Salstrom sang a song she wrote herself.
The event’s keynote speaker was Dennis Nichols, a pastor with South Valley Community Church and a Colonel in the California Air National Guard.
Wearing camouflage fatigues, Nichols called the conflict “a battle for freedom’s sake.” He quoted everyone from Patrick Henry and C.S. Lewis to Mel Gibson in the movie “Braveheart” on the necessity of fighting to protect freedom.
“I’m not pro-peace or pro-war, I’m just pro-freedom,” he said to cheers and applause.
Nichols also told the crowd that he is confused when peple say they support the troops but not their commander-in-chief. He speculated on what the effect would be if he did the same while blessing troops.
“It’s called ‘undermining,’ ” he said. “Check it out in the dictionary.”
SVCC pastor Eric Smith was also present to lead a prayer for strength for the troops, a speedy end to the conflict, the sparing of innocent lives and for families who have lost loved ones.
Gilroy resident Karen Kaho held framed pictures of her son and daughter, who are both serving in the Army. Nineteen-year-old daughter Mia just graduated from boot camp. Son Joseph, 26, will be deployed to northern Iraq shortly with the First Armored Tank Division.
“He’s on his way,” she said.
Kaho hasn’t seen her son in two years and worries for his safety and his family – he has two daughters. But she said she also believes she has to be ready to sacrifice a son or daughter as other mothers have done in wars past.
“I don’t like war – I don’t think anyone does – but from what I’ve seen on TV the people of Iraq had no freedom,” she said. “They needed someone to help them get back on their feet. It had to be us – and who better?”
Gilroy resident James Suniga also held pictures of his son Nicholas, a Marine who is currently in Iraq, and wore a T-shirt adorned with his picture.
Suniga said he hasn’t heard from his son, who can’t share much information about what he’s doing. It makes him nervous.
“As soon as I get off work, I go home, lay down and just watch the news all night,” he said.
James Suniga’s mother Gloria Suniga said her mantel has become a shrine to her grandson and is packed with his pictures and awards.
“The last thing he said to me was ‘Grandma, I can’t sleep,’ ” she said. “I said ‘Nicky, neither can I.’ ”
Nearby, Morgan Hill resident Julie Dawes was at a table distributing information on Operation Interdependence. She is an area coordinator for the organization, which sends letters and “goody bags” to troops deployed overseas.
“I’m so proud to be here and say ‘I’m behind you and we love you, we’re here for you and we want to help you,’ ” she said.
The packages Dawes helps coordinate and ship contain everything from sunscreen and lip balm to fun items such as Cracker Jacks popcorn, playing cards and newspaper sports clippings.
The three main requests from troops are pantyhose, clean socks and baby wipes, Dawes said. Soldiers cut the hose in half and use half to cover their guns and half to cover their faces to protect from wind-blown sand. The baby wipes serve as “field showers.”
“(Baby wipes) with aloe is what they prefer,” she said.
Dawes’ children go to Pacific West Christian Academy, which is also working on goody bags – called “civilian rations” – and supportive letters, she said.
At another table, postcards and markers were available for those who wanted to write letters to the troops. Several children participated, including 10-year-old Devon Lauber.
“Thank you for sacrificing your life for us and caring for the Americans here,” she wrote in colored marker.
