Published Sunday, March 16, 2003
Herald Staff Writer
A couple hundred people converged on the Mercer County Courthouse lawn Saturday, waving flags and clutching photos of fathers, mothers, sons, daughters and friends.
Listening patriotic songs, prayers and speeches, families, veterans and officials gathered to show their support for area servicemen and servicewomen headed overseas.
Saturday's "Support Our Troops" rally was organized by Vince Darcangelo, disabled veterans employment representative for Mercer County CareerLink.
"As soon as I heard the 347th was getting mobilized, I started to get this put together," Darcangelo said, referring to the Army reserve unit based in Farrell. "Everyone I approached about it was more than willing to do anything I asked."
Annita Wylie of Mercer had pictures of her three children, all of them in dress uniform. She has two sons and a daughter, all on active duty with the Marines. Her daughter, Pfc. Starlyn Stowers, is serving in Kuwait right now.
"I'm glad to see people out to support," she said. "It's a comfort. I just wish there were more."
Mrs. Stowers' sons are also on active duty. Cpl. Roger Stowers is stationed in Cherry Point, N.C., and Staff Sgt. Rusty Stowers is in Okinawa, Japan with his wife and children.
Lara Delp, a seventh grader at Linesville High School, attended the rally with her friend. She held a sign saying, "Let's Roll, Bubby!" and said she was there to show support for her father, Tom, an Army reservist awaiting orders at Fort Dix.
"I hope he comes home safely," she said, adding her father had been gone for about three months.
Congressman Phil English was the first guest speaker at the rally.
"We live in a much different world since Sept. 11," he said. "Because of those who attack our country and those who envy our freedom, this is a necessity."
Pastor Chuck Schwartz of the Bible Baptist Church brought his family along, all dressed in red, white and blue. They held signs saying "Support our troops."
"I definitely support our president," Schwartz said. "I trust him more than the United Nations."
Timothy McCall, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant, sang a salute to the military, including service anthems for all the armed forces branches.
Around 150 veterans came forward to be recognized by the crowd.
After the service anthems, a group of veterans formed a circle, holding hands and flags high while "God Bless The U.S.A." was sung.
"We've sent a definite message today," Darcangelo said. "We support our troops."
The rally was "very upbeat" and left no questions that the entire community is behind the troops, he said.
"I had a lot of family members come up to me, they were so grateful we did this," Darcangelo said.