Rally to support the troops

The Wilkins-Smith American Legion Post #1, in partnership with the Blue Star Mothers, is hosting a rally in support of the men and women of the armed forces serving abroad today beginning at 1 p.m. — rain or shine — at the Post headquarters on North Main Street. The theme of the rally, drawn from the Civil War and emblazoned on a banner, is "All Gave Some, Some Gave All."

Shep Spinney, who with Alice Dame of the Marine Corps League organized the event, said that "the troops are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters willing to put themselves in harm's way to protect the freedom and prosperity we all enjoy." "How do we say thank you?" he asked. "By keeping them in the public eye, by keeping their memories going."

Motorcycles, most ridden by members of veterans groups, will open the rally by parading from the Belmont Mall to Opechee Park, escorted by the New Hampshire State Police. The event will feature color guards representing each branch of the armed forces as well as representatives of local police and fire departments.

The rally will punctuated by songs and speeches. Rachel Swain of Sanbornton will sing the National Anthem as well as "My Country 'Tis of Thee" and, with accompaniment from the crowd on the refrain, the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Spinney will offer "God Bless America" and "America," while closing a reading given by State Rep. John Thomas of Belmont with his rendition of "America the Beautiful."

Congressman Jeb Bradley will headline a list of speakers that also includes veterans advocate Bob Jones, Laconia Mayor Matt Lahey, Blue Star Mother Dawn Curtis and Post #1 Commander Geoff Dixey. Niel Young, a co-founder of the Freedom Fund New Hampshire and organizer of past rallies, and Marie Valliere, who helped bring the Moving Wall to Meredith, will also offer remarks.

"This is for the troops and only for the troops," Spinney said. "It's not an occasion for politics." Doug Lambert, who helped organize the rally, agreed. "The purpose of this event is to pay homage to the troops," he said, "not to provide a platform for politicians to make partisan campaign speeches."

The rally will close with "Amazing Grace," piped by Sergeant Ken Wellsby, a 21-gun salute and taps played and echoed by Trevor Bisson and Curtis Dodge of Laconia High School.

"I prayed," said Spinney of the fine weather forecast for the day. He said that he hoped for a large crowd. "Don't forget your flags and lawn chairs," he said.