Mall, newspaper unite to support troops: Patriotic rally takes place next weekend
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Three Star Mall and the Southern Standard are co-sponsoring an event called “Support Our Troops, Support America” next Sunday at the mall’s center stage beginning at 2 p.m.
The program will feature a representative of each branch of the armed forces who will be designated to read names of locals deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as light candles after opening remarks and a presentation by guest speaker, World War II veteran and former POW John Biddle.
Three Star Mall manager Teresa Martin said the event is designed to show support for those deployed.
“We just sort of tossed it around that we needed to do something to show people we’re supporting our community and our troops. We did ‘Hands Across the Community’ back when we had Desert Storm, and it was such a success that we just felt like we needed to follow up with something now to let people know that we want to remember everybody and they’re all special in our prayers,” Martin said. “We really think there will be a big crowd for this one and we hope people will respond to it.”
Similar to an event held at the mall in 1991 for Desert Storm, mall management invites the community to be part of the one-hour program that will also encourage the posting of deployed military members’ pictures at the mall for people to enjoy. Family members may submit military photographs to the mall office either before the event or that day.
During the program, armed forces representatives will each light a candle for members of their respective branches of service. Audience members will round out the program by lighting their own candles. The program will also consist of patriotic songs and prayer and anticipated attendance by state and local dignitaries, as well as free small flags.