Friday morning, hundreds of Americans lined the streets of Winona to bid farewell to the members of Bravo Battery 2/114th Field Artillery stationed in Winona. The troops - from Montgomery and Carroll counties and neighboring counties - deployed for a year-long stint in the northern region of Iraq.
Close to 500 well-wishers, friends, and family attended a tribute celebration at the National Guard Armory in Winona. Organized by Mayor Jerry Flowers and the City of Winona, the tribute featured Bronwyn Metcalf and the Winona High School Marching Band performing the "National Anthem" and the Sophistocats Show Choir from Winona Elementary School performing "American Tears."
I attended the event, and I must confess, I have never been more proud of my community.
A soldier's mother told me, "The city did our troops right."
At the National Guard Armory, my heart wretched as I watched soldiers kissing their wives and holding their children before they departed for an entire year. I then realized our troops weren't the only ones making a sacrifice for their country. Their families were just as committed.
I cannot properly express my gratitude to these men and women willing to fight for my liberty, or their families. Words would not do it justice.
Instead, I am going to urge this community to remember the troops and their families in your prayers and thoughts. Remember, supporting our troops doesn't end after the farewell celebration is done.
Montgomery County Economic Development Partnership executive director Sue Stidham is organizing a Yellow Ribbon program for Montgomery County. This program will cater to the needs of the military families in our area while their soldier is deployed. Over the coming weeks, I will announce ways individuals can support our local troops while they are serving in Iraq, and I hope everyone will lend a hand in support of the troops.
At the tribute, Mayor Flowers said, "These people are going to protect us. They are putting their lives on the line for us. Also, they can't come from a better place than Winona and Montgomery County. I thank you."
I couldn't say it better myself. Freedom isn't free - just ask a soldier.
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