By Keith Grant and Kimberly Acevedo
One of those was Marine Lawrence Ricchetti, whose proud mother Anita held up her son's photo for the Herald's front page just days before the air campaign began.
"He called just before they cut the phone service," she told the Herald. "I reminded him that his birthday was coming soon, and he told me not to worry.
"We're all just praying for a quick end to this whole thing. Not just for me, but for everyone involved."
Prayers were also offered by the dozens of people who attended the Martin Luther King Day festivities that same week, residents who prayed for peace.
"Martin Luther King stood for peace," said then-13-year-old Sherrell Dingle. "The leaders of the world should look back on Martin Luther King and what he stood for."
Katherine Heron spoke on the importance of Martin Luther King Day while her son, James, was in Saudi Arabia. "This holiday is important regardless of what else is happening in the world," she said.
Meanwhile, several Long Beach residents were making headlines with their active pursuit of peace. Patty and Vic Scutari joined a lawsuit filed by numerous Long Islanders seeking to stop President George H. Bush from initiating the war.
"You have to do whatever you can to stop war," Vic Scutari said.
Local children faced the anxieties of the impending war, but also actively voiced support for the U.S. soldiers overseas, sending the troops letters and cards wishing them well.
A new generation now prepares to do the same.
Hed: Djˆ Vu? How Long Beach felt in '91
From the Long Beach Herald, Jan. 10, 1991:
"Do you think there will be war in the Middle East after the Jan. 15 deadline?"
"I don't think Saddam Hussein will give up. I think there's going to be a war."
Amy Bernardo
"I think there is going to be a war. Nobody is backing down. I spend 26 years in the army so I think I should know."
William O'Neill
"We're going to war. I don't think Saddam Hussein will back down."
Alan Sherlock
"I think there will be a war because President Bush is so committed."
Nancy Soffer
"It's difficult to say, but it doesn't look good. I pray every day and light an candle that we don't go to war."
Eugenia Romero
"I hope there's no war, but right now I'm unsure what will happen."
Jason Accardy
From the Long Beach Herald, Jan. 17, 1991:
"Do you think the US has done enough to avoid war in the Middle East?"
"No, we shouldn't go to war. I don't think our government is trying hard enough to prevent it. There's always room for more talks."
Eve Hammer
"I think President Bush should try to avoid war at all costs. He should try harder than he has been. It's never too late."
Tami Dambrot
"No. The deadline shouldn't be the 15th. The sanctions should continue to be given a chance to squeeze Saddam Hussein. There are too many people there. I wouldn't want them to die needlessly,"
Esther Gordon
