Candlelight vigil shows support for troops

Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Participants of all ages attended the vigil.

A crowd of well over 200 people turned out last week for a special candlelight vigil in support of local troops serving in the war zone in Iraq.

Sponsored by the Chamber's Military Affairs Committee, the vigil last Tuesday saw several speakers and singing groups providing entertainment for the event, as the crowd escaped the light rain by huddling under the sheltered picnic area at Carl Miller Park.

The park was gaily decorated with flags and red, white and blue bunting and balloons as Chamber officials handed out candles for the crowd to light as dusk fell upon the park.

Entertainment was provided by the Liberty Elementary School singers, who performed several songs, including one that was "signed" by several members of the choir, and the "Singing Sergeants" barbershop quartet. Both groups delighted the crowd, which gave them a robust round of applause.

After an opening prayer by Chaplain Adams from the base, Bill Richey, the governor's military liason, read a statement from Gov. Kempthorne (who had expected to attend), saying he "echoed your willing support for our soldiers, sailors and Marines (who are) putting themselves in harm's way for the noble cause of democracy.

"They will be judged the heroes we know they are."

Many members of the crowd brought photos of their loved ones to be displayed at the vigil and later, in the windows of The Hub building downtown.

Mayor Dave Jett, noting how the war had played out on the television sets across the world, said he was particularly struck "by the determination of our troops, their organization and discipline...and just how tough they are."

Col. Blair Hansen, 366th Fighter Wing commander, pointed out that over 200 wing personnel had been deployed to the war, even though the main components of the wing remained home (to rest after 18 months of constant deployments to Afghanistan and Southern Watch). "You can rest assured, the 200 or so deployed Gunfighters will be anxious to come home" when the war is over, he said, adding his praise for the strong support given to the troops by the Mountain Home community. "I have never seen such support for a base," he said.

Hansen noted that the war "has resulted in the swift and decisive defeat of a repressive regime.

"The discipline and coolness under fire (of the troops) have saved lives.

"The value of their efforts is clear. Tyranny and terrorism will not stand."

He described the story of the brother of one of his pilots, a Marine who was shot but continued to engage the enemy until the action was over before accepting medical treatment.

Let the efforts of the troops, Hansen said "call us to ring up the bell of liberty even louder."

"Thank you for supporting us with your love," the wing commander told the crowd. "You keep us strong."

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