Muskogee turns out for a rally in support of US troops in Iraq

Communities across Oklahoma are hosting rallies of support for the war and the men and women taking part in Operation Iraqi Freedom. <br><br>Muskogee rallied Friday and News on 6 reporter Emory Bryan

Friday, April 4th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Communities across Oklahoma are hosting rallies of support for the war and the men and women taking part in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Muskogee rallied Friday and News on 6 reporter Emory Bryan says when Linda Hasler heard about the rally - she knew she needed to be there - to honor her son. "It's hard to think about my son fighting but my grandfather fought in World War I, my father fought in World War 2 and I guess it's my sonâ€™s job to fight in this one for us."

She and her family came to wave their flags and hear inspiring words. Some held pictures of their loved ones - others had no personal connection - just a patriotic feeling. Ruth Ann Ticoulat, "I'm here because my dad served in World War 2 and I'm very proud of him and I've always been patriotic and I always support the troops, always."

There are dozens of young people from Muskogee fighting in the war. Their friends and family came here to sign a community letter of support - and drop off supplies for a mass mailing. Lila Bell has already mailed a box to her nephew. "We've sent him a box, I got completely carried away it weighed 22 lbs, it cost $34 dollars so it had everything under the sun in it."

One speaker said rallies like this one help more than just the families. Major General Harry Wyatt, Oklahoma National Guard: "It's extremely important that we as Americans do this because the word and support does get over the troops in theatre and it does make a difference."

These families are far from their loved ones - but things like this - help them feel a little closer.