By Howard Goldstein
American flags fluttered and John Philip Souza marches played, but the real atmosphere was created by the people, whose passion was not in playing politics, but in seeing to it that American military personnel now stationed in Iraq and other parts of the world receive the thanks they deserve.
The rally brought out many veterans of wars past, the relative few who know what goes through a 19-year-old's mind when guns trade fire.
It also attracted many parents, who held aloft pictures of sons and daughters whom they had spent years protecting, but who are now are risking their lives far from the quiet neighborhoods they called home.
There were Vietnam vets who remember the abuse heaped on them as they returned from the maelstrom of war. And there were citizens who fervently believe in the war in Iraq as a just cause.
People came from across Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as New York City for the rally. All agreed they wanted their neighbors, who are now engaged in armed conflict, to return home safely.
Kristen Novella, of North Bellmore, said, "Considering all the anti-war stuff we've been seeing, I want people to know that a lot of us really support the troops."
Kathy Casuso, of Freeport, said, "Freedom isn't free. It comes with a price that our soldiers pay."
Hempstead Supervisor Kathleen Murray opened the rally, whose speakers included Pat Cassetta, a retired World War II veteran; George Jones, a retired New York National Guard general; Joyce Rommel, national POW/MIA chairperson for Veterans of the Vietnam War; Pat Yngstrom, past president of the United Veterans Organization, and a family member of a U.S. serviceman in Iraq.
Kristine Rommel, U.S. Coast Guard reservist, sang the national anthem and "God Bless America." Rabbi Sean Gorman, spiritual leader of the Bellmore Jewish Center, delivered the opening prayer. Gorman, who served as a military chaplain, prayed for the troops' safe return and praised their cause.
Overwhelmingly, the crowd was patriotic and supported the war effort along with the troops. Speakers lauded America as the greatest country on earth, and some spoke disparagingly of anti-war protesters.
People also flew black MIA/POW flags, and swore not to forget America's missing. "This conflict, and all American conflicts, will not end until every American is home," said Rommel.
Cassetta, who was born in Italy but came to the U.S. at age 13 and served in the military at age 16, juxtaposed World War II's "greatest generation" with the soldiers in Iraq and the rescue of Pvt. Jessica Lynch and other prisoners of war. "These kids are the greatest generation," he said, a sentiment echoed by several other speakers, who praised the dedication and prowess of American soldiers in Iraq.
Cassetta also struck a chord with many rally attendees in his outspoken contempt of the protesters. Referring to anti-war activists in Hollywood, Cassetta said, "They can't run their own lives, let alone the free world," a comment that drew loud applause and cheers.
For many, anti-war protests exacerbated the need to hold rallies for the troops. Attendees spoke of polls showing that most Americans support Operation Iraqi Freedom and the need to liberate Iraq and defend America from enemies such as Saddam Hussein.
Moreover, many in attendance wanted the troops themselves and their families to know that many Americans support the soldiers. Said Bob Kohler, a member of Veterans of the Vietnam War, Bellmore Post No. 3, "We want these soldiers to know how much we appreciate what they're doing to protect all our freedoms."
Jerry Delaportas, who is also a Vietnam veteran and Post No. 3 member, said he didn't want today's soldiers to feel forgotten or maligned, as was the case after Vietnam. "I'm glad the media is covering these support rallies," he said. "During the Vietnam War, they never showed that anyone supported the troops. When these men and women come home, they're going to know that people think they're heroes."
The final speaker was Kevin McCauley, who talked about his own son Dennis serving overseas, as well as his experience fighting in the Vietnam War. "How this country has matured since the 28 years ago that soldiers came home to sneers and disdain," McCauley told the emotionally charged crowd. "This time around, they will return home to honor and glory, and the biggest and best parade they've ever seen."
