The images from Baghdad over the last 24 hours kept many Americans glued to their television sets.

With coalition forces making a decisive thrust into the heart of Iraq on Wednesday, including the memorable demolition of a 40-foot Saddam Hussein statue, thousands of jubilant Iraqis began cheering and celebrating wildly.

And while they had good reason to celebrate, the fear and worry felt by Mercer County families whose sons and daughters, grandsons and granddaughters remain very much in danger in the region haven't diminished, and probably won't until their family members are safely home.

Four of those families spoke with The Herald Wednesday night to give their thoughts in the wake of a memorable day in the Persian Gulf.

They were: John McGinty, father of 1st Lt. Robert P. McGinty; Paula Griffith, mother of CWO2 James E. Griffith; Dennis Driscoll, grandfather of Pvt. John E. Scott; and Sandi Banick, mother of Spc. William "Quentin" Emerich.

Here are some of their thoughts:

   » John McGinty, Hermitage, whose son is a member of the 19th Maintenance Battalion that has been deployed to the Iraq-Kuwait Theater of Operations: "We've done a wonderful job and as you can see on TV today proves it. I think our troops and our soldiers are outstanding. Bob is there somewhere. He's in ordnance, but has been branch detailed to field artillery.

"We did talk to Bob a couple of weeks ago and he said the food was good -- it was very dusty and hot there -- but the food was good. He couldn't tell me where he was, but he said everything was fine and everybody had a good attitude. We're looking forward to him and all the boys coming home, which he said might be close to New Year's because of peacekeeping and other duties.

"It makes Nina, his mom, and me very proud that he is in the Army and went through college on a football and Army scholarship and we're very proud of him and Nina said, 'very worried, too.' "

   » Paula Griffith, Hermitage, whose son was deployed to Kuwait in February and is helping to repair communications gear: "We haven't left the TV except for about two hours tonight for a meeting. Of course we were jubilant about today, but the first thing that went through my head were thoughts for the marines and servicemen who were killed in action who couldn't see it and their families. ... It's a relief that most of Iraq is under coalition control, but we still have a long way to go."

   » Dennis Driscoll, Sharon, whose grandson is a Bradley tractor driver in the 3rd Division of the Army: "I felt very proud of the fact that John was involved and it just brings you back to conversations with your kids and grandkids that, even though it might sound cliche, that freedom isn't free. Yeah, I was worried about him and I still am, but this kind of thing has to be done occasionally. I'm proud he went over there and I believe it was his and the kids' his age turn to continue the fight for freedom. I hope nothing happens to him, but if it does, it was something that had to be done.

"We're in a situation here where nobody's accountable for anything, not just in this country but people can pull things like Saddam has done and terrorists have done all over the globe. At some point, you have to say enough is enough. I can say I am very proud what he has done for the history of democracy. ... so far, he's safe and we're looking forward to him coming home."

   » Sandi Banick, Hermitage, whose son is serving in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Infantry: "I got a letter on Monday that was dated March 16 and haven't heard from him since. I write him every other day about our dumb things that go on in our little world. I can't imagine writing about what they're going through every day. I think we're in this for the long haul and we're all worried. But as long as the Army doesn't come to my house or call me, he's OK. ... You know, I just want him home!"