On Monday, April 14th, this reporter joined scores of troop supporters at
the weekly Support Our Troops Rally in Duvall, Washington, to report on the
event just as he did last week
.
The turnout seemed to this reporter to be a bit off from the previous week.
Perhaps because the fighting is winding down, or
people were enjoying the spring warmth (which brought up new
flowers) elsewhere, or they were blinded by the unaccustomed sun.
The occasional spring wind also sometime caused little difficulties,
as flags moved a bit unpredictably.
But it was not just the flowers, warmth and sun that were new. Along
with the season another tide is turning -- the handsign "V for Victory" is
back!
As are proud young Americans!
And there were two other Americans honored at the rally, for their service
to our country. One is Lance Corporal Joseph Duggan, featured in the
preceding week's Carnation
Rally, a few miles to the south, represented by his justifiably proud
father. Yes, this Marine just got a promotion. Congratulations,
Lance Corporal Duggan -- and thank you for your service!
Another serviceman's wife and daughter were on the scene with photos of husband
and father (please, my apologies, I lost his name & rank)
:
KVI's talk show host Kirby Wilbur's wife
Trina was present, as were a familiar faces from many Operation Support
Our Troops rallies! (Yes, Kirby, you were there too but you kept hiding
behind signs. Besides, Trina's prettier than you!)
What's a Support Our Troops rally without American flags and everything
red-white-and-blue? They were there...
And there are new signs to accompany the new season...
. 
![Ira Free[D]](iraqfreed.jpg)
