Pro-America Rallies Continue in Small Town Massachusetts

By Curt Lovelace
April 22, 2003

The heavy fighting may be over in Iraq, but the support for the troops has not waned, especially in small towns. While anti-war and anti-President Bush rallies have all but ceased, these support rallies continue to celebrate America and her history and her young people. A good example was found last Saturday in Shirley. Dozens of American and yellow ribbons fluttered from the trees as one approached the town's common, called Whitely Park. There a "Support Our Troops Rally" was held with hundreds of local and regional residents on hand to sing patriotic songs, pray for the government and the troops, and remember veterans of past wars.

American Legion Commader Ed Orr believes that, as the media attention on the war on terrorism wanes, we must not forget those who are still fighting.

Veterans of past wars with their various service organization hats, mingled with a few active duty personnel. Grey-haired matrons held hands with youngsters who had arrived by skate board. Children waved American flags as all joined in singing the national anthem, led by town Tax Collector Holly Haas.

As the crowd gathered on the green, American Legion Post Commander Ed Orr and Auxiliary President Elaine DeCell made sure handouts spread out on a table were battened down against the breeze.

One year old Alexander Rock of Shirley was at the 'Support Our Troops' rally with his parents.

A Legionnaire from nearby George Morin Post #183 passed out miniature American flags and longtime Auxiliary member Louise Minalga pinned yellow ribbons on lapels, gently insisting all should wear one. The pins symbolize support for American troops serving in Iraq.

The organizers promised an event that would long on patriotism and short on speechmaking. They kept their collective word on both counts. Tom Stafanik, a Deacon from the United Church of Shirley and a veteran of the Vietnam War, offered an opening prayer. Stefanik linked religious and secular symbols in his prayer of thanksgiving. He thanked God for "giving us a President with the moral backbone to take a stand on the present evil" and for "mercies on the battlefield" and asked comfort for families of service personnel and for guidance to help the healing hands of medical personnel, trusting in "your might" throughout the conflict in Iraq. The prayer ended with thanks "for all the blessings.showered on the United States."

Legion Commander Ed Orr thanked those who came "to show support for the President and the troops who pledge to support our nation and our way of life." As media focus on the "war on terrorism" wanes, he asked people not to forget those still fighting that war, "from here to Iraq." He said that now was the time for Americans to show their support. There are a number of ways to do that he said and suggested a few. Go to rallies. Contribute to Memorial Scholarship Funds. Those eligible may display Blue Star Banners. Purchase a flag or yard sign to display at home. Send packages overseas via the USO or other official volunteer organization. Donate blood to the Red Cross.

Visiting from California, Beth Grant, whose husband, Stephen, is serving in Iraq, came with her 8 month old son, Logan, whose blue cap sports a "Support our Troops" slogan. His jacket has a Blue Star Banner on the back. The Grants are staying in Ayer with Beth's parents, Ed and Roberta Orr. Stephen, a 1995 Ayer High School graduate, joined the Air Force in 1993 and is stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California. His parents are Yong and George Grant, of Shirley. Beth's last communication with her husband was last week, when "morale calls" and e-mails, suspended during active conflict, were resumed. His mom spoke to him on the phone. "He sounded great," she said. But she doesn't know when Steve will be home. "It'll be awhile," said Beth. Though fighting may be over, there's plenty of work still to do, the two women said.

Vietnam era veteran Gerry Wheeler is a fixture at these events. A 25-year member of the American Legion and a former tank commander, Wheeler, now a Captain in the Shirley fire department, usually provides the sound and the music for town events.

"Deacon Tom Stafanik, from the United Church of Shirley, who is a Vietnam vet, linked religious and secular symbols in his prayer of thanksgiving."

Though his sound trailer and his thousands of music CDs are his professional tools, he never charges the town of veteran's organizations for his services at such events. He says, "I went to the recruiter, but he told me I'm too old. At least I can contribute in this way." Wheeler is 51.

Kenneth McCall, Pastor of the Holy Ghost Revival Church in Shirley, understands war and peace. Asked by a reporter how he balanced Christian ministry with support for American actions in Iraq, McCall answered firmly and swiftly. He said, "I do it through prayer and unification.pulling the church together." He added, "Our power is prayer." McCall has been a soldier. Now retired from the Army, he was in Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm. He lost friends there, he said. Now, he urges his flock to pray for those in harm's way. "Remember what Jesus told Peter." he said, recalling the Biblical quote. The church is a rock, he said, and all people are part of "the family of God."

The event was sponsored by the American Legion Family and coordinated by the George J. Morin Post #183 Auxiliary.

Elaine DeCell promised an event that was long on patriotism and short on speechmaking.

Members of the George J. Morin American Legion Post #183 Ladies Auxiliary help to coordinate the event at Whitely Park in Shirley.