Nearly 2,000 turn out in support of troops in Woodward

<br>WOODWARD, Okla. (AP) _ About 2,000 people waved flags, patriotic signs and chanted ``USA'' at a pro-troops rally in northwestern Oklahoma Monday afternoon. <br><br>People came from as far as

Tuesday, April 1st 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WOODWARD, Okla. (AP) _ About 2,000 people waved flags, patriotic signs and chanted ``USA'' at a pro-troops rally in northwestern Oklahoma Monday afternoon.

People came from as far as Texas and Kansas for the Woodward rally supporting troops and their families.

Members of Woodward High School's band and choir performed patriotic songs and members of the American Legion praised the contributions of troops stationed in the United States and overseas.

Businesses in Woodward closed early to allow employees to attend the rally that blocked off traffic on bustling U.S. 270 as supporters spilled into the streets.

Several state and federal lawmakers offered support for troops and their families during the rally.

``Words cannot say right now and our actions pale in comparison to what the people are doing over there,'' said Rep. Clay Pope, D-Loyal. ``I can't adequately express my gratitude.''

Republican U.S. Sen. Don Nickles thanked supporters in a recorded message.

``I feel good knowing we have this kind of support in the state and across the country,'' Nickles said. ``They are doing a great job, you need to stand up and show support for them.''

Norman Lamb, Gov. Brad Henry's Secretary of Veterans' Affairs also spoke to the crowd of supporters.

``Today as you and I stand here there is another modern day Hitler,'' Lamb said. Saddam Hussein has plans and would very much knock on your door and destroy you and me. We can't tolerate another Hitler.''