Wednesday, April 16, 2003

The rally that took place last Friday evening in Fayetteville was one of the grandest events to take place here in a long while. I did not count the number in attendance, but it was a great crowd. Even the rain could not dampen the spirit of the people there.

The program was superb and well-planned and a note of special thanks goes to Nancy Price of Main Street Fayetteville for her diligence in getting things right.

This was the second rally held recently in our community and both were good. However, the personal touch of having the Young family there, along with the young lady who sang, was great. This was the second time to hear her and she was outstanding.

I guess the reason Gen. [Ted] Mallory did so well was that they finally got his rank right. To go from Colonel to "two stars" would do that. The Fayette County High School Band did a superb job, teamed up with Dan Cathy and his trumpet. A surprise visit by Congressman Mac Collins topped it all off.

The crowd's attendance, participation and enthusiasm was indicative of the stuff folks in Fayette County are made of. We are home to many former and present military families and our heritage makes us proud. We are loyal to our troops, for these are our real heroes.

I was proud to stand alongside former service men and women and to see the number present warmed the heart and soul and caused a lump in my throat. So, to all those who went, those who have fallen, those who returned, and those who waited, may God richly bless your life, and, in summation, you're simply awesome!

A. G. VanLandingham

Fayette County Commissioner