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April 19, 2003
War supporters gather in Ormond
News-Journal Staff Report
ORMOND BEACH — Among the flying flags and blaring patriotic music, 20-month-old Ariyanne Posey ran waving her own small American flag.
She had come to show support for her father's cousin, Jeremy Wallace, 19, a U.S. soldier somewhere in Baghdad, said her mother Amy Posey, who hung on to her baby from a leash.
Like little Ariyanne, Posey, more than 100 residents – Vietnam veterans, reservists and retired policemen – gathered late Friday afternoon on the west end of the Granada Boulevard Bridge to show support for American troops in Iraq.
"Everyone can have their political opinion, but once it's go time, then we should be behind our guys," said retired New York City police officer Dan Spellacy. "I was in Vietnam so I understand what it means for our troops to have the support when they need it most."
The two-hour rally that began at 5 p.m. was organized by Marlene Donlan, an Ormond Beach resident who said she "wanted to say and show something positive about our kids who are in danger and giving their lives in Iraq.
"That is what it's all about," Donlan said, as motorists honked their horn and held their thumbs up while America The Beautiful played on a portable stereo.
The highlight of the evening turned out to be a motorcyclist, westbound on Granada Boulevard, who saluted from the top of the bridge until he crossed Beach Street.
"That was unbelievable," said Ormond Beach Mayor Fred Costello.
The show of support is important because American troops will be in Iraq for an extended period of time, said City Commissioner Jim Privett, whose 24-year-old son, Stefan Privett, is with the 101st Airborne in Iraq. Stefan Privett, who got married in October, has a lot to come home to, Privett said.
"I don't think the war is over," said Jim Privett's wife, Catherine. "I am still nervous, thinking that he is still in danger, but he'll be back."