Convoy Rolls Out Support for Troops

Convoy Rolls Out In Support of Troops
by Tom Pesce

April 13, 2003

Local Volunteers Rally in Support of Troops

On Sunday April 13th, Fire & Rescue personnel from as far as Queens to Orient Point rendezvoused at Calabro airport in Brookhaven to a rally to support our troops fighting in Iraq.

The line of fire trucks, ambulances and other emergency vehicles stretched for miles on the L.I.E. halting traffic along the way to pick up Fire and Rescue vehicles entering the expressway. Hundreds of people stopped their cars and parked off the roadway -- cheering and waving American Flags. Those in the trucks responded sounding sirens and air horns, and waving back at the crowds lining the L.I.E creating an emotional and very heartwarming sight.

When the convoy turned off William Floyd Parkway onto a street of private homes leading to the airport, the residents were outside their homes with banners and flags, cheering on the trucks from all the departments . There were about two thousand people who attended the picnic and rally organized by the volunteer firefighters, including about 290 relatives of service members currently serving in Iraq .

The fire trucks were parked in a pattern which surrounded the crowd. A dozen aerial ladders and buckets provided a backdrop with American flag hung between them.

Elected officials and military personnel spoke, offering their full support, thanks and hope for the safe return of our service personnel. A saluting of the flag was followed by patriotic songs. To end the rally all of the emergency trucks sounded their sirens and blew their horns while the crowd cheered. This final tribute lasted about ten minutes.

During the event, many pictures and signs were held up by family members of those serving our country in Iraq. There wasn't a dry eye among them. Strangers met strangers and hugged each other and promised to keep in touch.

for more photos from the event click here.

Story & Photos by Tom Pesce